MARY MARGARET LANIUS ‘SISSY’ ALLEN

Mary Margaret Lanius “Sissy” Allen, age 71, passed away peacefully at UNC Hospitals on January 17, 2021, with her family by her side.

Mary was born September 26, 1949, to James Peabody and Lucilia Partin Lanius. She grew up in Bynum, with one brother, Archie Lanius, now deceased. Mary was her given name, but she was known by family and friends as Sissy or Nana. She worked at Boling Chair Company for 17 years until she retired to keep her first grandchild. Later on, she got to travel some with her husband, Virgil. They visited different jobs he was on while working in the construction field. She loved spending time with her family, that was what truly brought her the most happiness. She would love the visits, reminiscing and sharing stories. She was quite the storyteller when it came to sharing stories about her kids and grandkids and she did not leave out a detail. Her puppies Chico, Reece and Tater will miss her companionship. She was a supportive, caring, and selfless person who always gave more than she took.

She is survived by her husband of 51 years, Virgil Coen Allen; sons, Virgil James (Jimmy) Allen and wife Sherry, Norman Lee Allen and wife Kristie; granddaughters Auburn Jade Allen, Keeley Paige Allen and grandsons Cooper Lee Allen and Caden Layne Allen; future grandson-in-law, Matthew Ryan Barrier; special childhood friend into adulthood, Dolly Lindley. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law who fondly called her Sissy.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 20, 2021, from 6-8 p.m. at Donaldson Funeral Home and Crematory in Pittsboro.

Graveside services will be held Thursday, January 21, 2021, at Bynum Methodist Church Cemetery, at 11 a.m. Due to COVID-19, masks and social distancing precautions are required.