Elizabeth Anne Allen

On Saturday, February 28th, 2026: Elizabeth (Beth) Anne Allen passed away in the comfort of her home at the age of 58 in Smithfield, Virginia. She lives on through a very close knit and extended family. First, her beloved children Ian Christian Gardner, Eric Thomas Malarkey (Shahad Yaya), and Landon Anne Malarkey. Her favorite brother Eric Montgomery Allen along with her close sister-in-law Theresa Maria Allen and their children Marisol Isabel Allen (Eduardo Jose Sola) and Joaquin Montgomery Allen. Her parents, Layton (Skip) Southerland Allen Jr. and Barbara (Alison) Ohsol Allen have always been a pillar of strength for her. She was closely supported by Skip Lee Garner and his wife, Beth’s dear friend Katherine along with their children Sergey Oliver Gardner and Katya Morgan Gardner. Coming together as one large family, enjoying children’s sporting events, holidays, and family gatherings as one.

Beth was born February 6th, 1968, on her mother’s 21st birthday in Saratoga Springs, New York. As a Navy brat, she moved back and forth across the country, living in Delaware, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Yokosuka Japan, Amarousion, Greece and California (including San Diego, Monterey, Concord, Milpitas, Benicia and Coronado). She spent 1st grade in a DoD school in Kifissia, Greece and graduated from St. Vincent’s HS, Vallejo, California in 1986. As a Sea Scout in Benicia, she was one of two chosen from twenty-five shipmates for a two-week cruise down the Pacific coast on a Revenue Cutter “Californian”. She slept in a hammock and participated in regular training on maritime heritage, leadership, navigation and seamanship. Her adventures were documented by an on-board film crew, then broadcast by a San Francisco TV station as a regular feature called “Hot Streak”.

Though she was born on the East coast she says she grew up on the West coast around the Benicia, California area during the punk era. She was a punk during this phase of her early adult life frequenting many punk shows immersing herself in a large and supportive community. She would go on to meet Skip Lee Gardner (first husband) and begin to settle down as a new future for her began to develop. She gave birth to her first child, Ian in San Diego, California. This prompted her to then move to Smithfield, Virginia to be closer with her parents in 1993.

She was a Server at the Smithfield Inn and before beginning her nursing journey as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) student at Riverside shortly thereafter. During this time she met her second husband, Patrick Thomas Malarkey, the father of her second son Eric, and first daughter Landon. As a devoted single mother of three, she continued to pursue nursing school, attending Thomas Nelson CC (now VAPCC) and finally graduating from Hampton University in 2007, Suma Cum Laude and becoming a Registered Nurse (BSN).

She started her career at Sentara Norfolk General in 2001, in the emergency department. During her time in the ER, she became a disaster instructor for HURT, leading and teaching the program at Sentara for several years. She excelled at being a night shift charge nurse, but her true passion was teaching and orienting new nurses. Over a career spanning nearly three decades, she blossomed professionally, becoming a strong advocate for her patients and a steady source of support for her coworkers. In recognition of her dedication to guiding others, she was recently honored with the Nursing Excellence Award for precepting as well as the DAISY Award. Her colleagues would describe her as a trusted friend, blending professional excellence and genuine heartfelt care. At the time of her passing, she was actively pursuing her master’s degree at Purdue University.

Being a mother was the thing that she most cherished and was most proud of. She expressed the love she has for her children in so many ways. She always told them, ‘when people look into my heart, they see your faces’ and, ‘when you see that baby, you’ll understand the love I have for you’. She raised her children to be loving and kind to one another; a legacy she succeeded in creating. Her children grew up in a home filled with love, endless compassion, peaceful and gentle understanding, good food, and laughter. She was a hard worker, a teacher, an artist, a neighbor, a friend, a well spoken mentor, a gardener, a baker, a talented cook, a source of “sneaky snacks”, a jokester, a steady hand to hold, an aunt, a daughter, but most importantly to her; a mother. She instilled strength, kindness, and perseverance in her children.

She was not just a mother to her children, but also to nurses she taught and worked with. She is and always will be greatly loved and adored. She expressed her love through time spent with those she cherished, always ensuring people felt seen, remembered, and cared for. She nurtured those around her with generosity, care, and quiet selflessness. She was open-minded and welcoming and was always willing to listen and speak with anyone who needed comfort or guidance. With a wicked sense of humor and a fiery, resilient spirit, her approach to life was simply beautiful.

She enjoyed spending time outside in her garden growing fruits, vegetables and herbs. She loved her dog, Jack. She loved to go on walks and adventures. She loved any form of art and expression. She loved her extended family. She loved to read books. She was never the first person to let go from a hug.

Raised by two loving parents who nurtured her gentle spirit, she grew into a flower that bloomed endlessly, bringing joy and warmth to all who knew her. She is, and always will be, deeply loved and adored by those fortunate enough to have experienced her all-encompassing heart.

She will be laid to rest at Historic St. Luke’s cemetery in a small family plot to be announced at a later date. Visitation is scheduled for Saturday, March 7th, 2026, from 11am - 1pm and from 4pm - 6pm, at Little’s Funeral Home, 1515 South Church Street, Smithfield, Va 23430. All friends and family are welcome. Online condolences may be registered at www.littlesfuneralhome.com