Mrs. Allene Ellis Driver (91) of Middlesex, N.C. passed away peacefully at Transitions Life Care Center in Raleigh on December 30, 2017 due to complications from pneumonia.

She was born on October 3, 1926 in Corinth Holders, NC to Wiley Dee (W.D.) Ellis and Flonnie Liles Ellis. After corresponding via letters throughout World War II, she married her sweetheart, Louis Franklin Driver, who preceded her in death in 2006. Allene was a pioneer of her time whose entrepreneurial spirit led her to establish The Driver Pick-Your-Own Strawberry Farm and the drugstore in downtown Middlesex.  She also enjoyed a career as a fashion buyer for Belk’s Department Store in Downtown Raleigh. Allene loved her church and her friends and she was an ambassador of kindness, always ready for any opportunity to socialize and smile.

Above all else, Allene valued her family. She was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Allene is survived by sons, Philip Driver (Stephanie) of Raleigh, Robbie Driver (Lynn O’Connell) of Wilmington, Don Driver (Rebecca) of Zebulon; Grandchildren, Courtney Driver, Lindsay Driver, Madison Driver (Adria Yannaccone), Jaime Driver Finch (Jonathan), Brittney Driver Keating (Michael); Step-Grandchildren, Matthew Heald (Lauren), Christopher Heald (Tiffany); Great-Grandchildren, Macon, Jackson, Ava Grace, Olivia, Harrison; Step-Great-Grandchildren, Mason, Owen, Miller. All of these she loved and touched deeply.

Allene was welcomed into heaven by her parents; husband; sisters, Emma Jean Ellis, Carrie Holder; brothers, Vernon Ellis and Jake Ellis; daughter in law, Dee Driver.     

The family would like to thank the caring staff at Rex Hospital, Transitions Life Care Center, and all her friends at Whispering Pines Retirement Community for helping her through her final weeks.

Allene’s family will be available on Wednesday, January 3rd for a visitation at Poole’s Funeral Home at 944 Old Knight Rd, Knightdale, NC from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Her life will be celebrated at Lee’s Chapel Baptist Church at 14551 Taylors Mill Rd. in Middlesex, N.C. on Thursday, January 4th at 11:00 a.m.

Flowers are accepted or memorial contributions may be made to Lee’s Chapel Baptist Church.

Allene lived her life full of hope, optimism, and grace. To quote her final words, “Life is so good.”

 Service Information