Dunn

Allene Wheeler Alphin, 93, died Thursday morning at her residence in Dunn.

She was born in Halifax County on February 13, 1921, to the late William Venyard and Allie Freeman Wheeler.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 73 years, Jesse Clifton Alphin; two brothers, William Allen Wheeler, Willard Wheeler; a sister, Jeanette Wheeler Royal; and a daughter, Anne Alphin Hobson.

She was a graduate of Erwin High School and the Management Institute of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

She was a member of the Dunn Woman's Club and was active in its projects. She was also active in the Christian Women's Club of Dunn. She was a past member and officer in the Dunn Professional Women's Club. She worked with many charitable organizations in various benevolent drives. For many years, she delivered Meals on Wheels. wo of her primary interests were Heritage Bible College and Campbell University. For many years she was active in both the Boy Scouts and the Girl Scouts. Both her sons received Eagle awards, and both her daughters received the Curved Bar Award. She was a Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow. She was appointed and served as a member of the local First Citizens Bank and Trust Company Advisory Board. In 1992, she was named Dunn Area Woman of the Year. As working Secretary-Treasurer, she played a major role in the development of Alphin Brothers, Inc., a business that was honored as one of North Carolina's top businesses. Her many sacrifices (and only she knew to what extent) and her tremendous support to her husband, during the growth years, helped create a business that offered many job opportunities for the Dunn area and contributed greatly to the local economy. She remained active in the business and was Chair of the Board of Alphin Brothers.

She was a dedicated member of Long Branch Church, where she served in many capacities including Sunday School Teacher and Sunday School Youth Superintendent. She was a major force in the Ladies Auxiliary serving in every office and always quietly supporting the many projects of the Auxiliary and the Church. She was honored as Auxiliary Lady of the Year.

A funeral service will be held Saturday at 2:00 p.m. at Long Branch Church by Dr. Elvin Butts and Dr. Phillip Newton. A private graveside service will be conducted at a later time.

She is survived by her children, Kay Alphin Johnson and husband Marvin of Dunn; J. Clifton Alphin, Jr. of Dunn; Ernest Alphin and wife Teresa of Dunn; a son-in-law, David Hobson, of Dunn; eleven grandchildren; and twenty-two great grandchildren.

The family will receive friends Saturday, following the service, in the Fellowship Hall of Long Branch Church.

Published in The News & Observer on Sept. 26, 2014