Figure of the Week

Elnora Allen was born in Widewater to Horace and Martha Harris Allen on 10 May 1919. She was the fifth of eight children. Her parents instilled the importance of education and although opportunities for Black students were limited, Elnora attended school. As a teenager, she did domestic work for local families. The 1950 Federal census shows her working for the US Treasury Department. Elnora met and married Percy E. Pondexter in 1952; in 1961 they moved to Widewater where they both became involved in the community. Elnora served as president of the local NAACP for 16 years and five years as its vice president, leading voter registration and food drives. Through her leadership, the NAACP addressed health care issues and provided family counseling. At Oak Grove Baptist Church, Elnora was president of the Women’s Ministry, Ushers’ Ministry, and the Missionary Ministry and chaplain of the Deaconess Ministry and Chairperson of the Hospitality Ministry. With Percy, Elnora was a member of the Widewater Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad and the Ladies’ Auxiliary. Elnora was recognized by the Stafford County Board of Supervisors in 2009 for her exemplary service to the community. She died in 2010 and is buried at the Stafford Memorial Park.

Newspaper Articles:

https://www.insidenova.com/lifestyles/former-naacp-branch-leader-laid-to-rest/article_bbdf876b-a6ad-5523-b846-591b0e280f08.html

https://www.newspapers.com/image/984375933/?article=51e5cffd-2415-40be-925d-ef5f9138c1a0&xid=5588&terms=Elnora_Pondexter

https://www.newspapers.com/image/984375933/?article=51e5cffd-2415-40be-925d-ef5f9138c1a0&xid=5588&terms=Elnora_Pondexter