LONG BEACH, Calif. — Edward “Allen” French, Jr., 45, of Long Beach, Calif., formerly of Bluefield, Va., passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009 in the state of Arizona due to injuries sustained in an automobile accident.

He was born Oct. 31, 1964 in Detroit, Mich. “Allen” was the son of the late Edward Allen French, Sr. and Lyona French of Bluefield, Va. He was a member of Tynes Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in Rocky Gap, Va. where he faithfully paid his tithes and attended whenever he was in the area.

Allen attended and graduated from Graham High School in Bluefield, Va. and later attended Morristown College in Morristown, Tenn.

Allen was preceded in death by his father, Edward Allen French, Sr. Those left to cherish his memories are his loving mother, Lyona French; son, Justin Deon Walker of Bronx, N.Y.; daughter, Shanice Elizabeth Arnold of Hyattsville, Md.; beloved sister, Teresa (French) Strain of Hyattsville, Md.; special adopted brother, Curtis Phillips of Columbus, Ohio; nephews, Todd and Ryan French; niece, Charlene French; and a special nephew, Todd Durann French, Jr. (T.J.) He will also be missed dearly by a host of uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends.

Allen was the “life of the party” and was loved by many! He could light up the room with his smile and would have them laughing with tears in their eyes with his corny (yet funny) jokes and witty dances. At reunions and family events, he would occasionally entertain us with his “basketball” skills but more so, his “basketball” stories! He will also be known and remembered for his special cooking skills... shrimp pasta, gumbo, banana pudding, pies, etc.

He kept the French family intact but knew that God was the chief sustainer and supplier of all of their needs! He will truly be missed!

The viewing will be from 12 noon to 1 p.m. on Wednesday. Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2009 from the Greater Mt. Zion Pentecostal Church in Bluefield, W.Va. (104 Park St.) with Presiding Elder Adolphus A. Young, Jr. officiating. Pastor Todd D. French, Sr. will deliver the eulogy.

McConnell Funeral Home of 260 Cherry St., Bluefield, WV 24701 will be serving the French family, and burial will take place at the Hogans-Charlton Cemetery in Rocky Gap, Va.

To leave personal condolences online, visit www.legacy.com