Loretta W. Allen

During this lifetime, some people leave a lasting impression for many years to come. Loretta Williams Allen was one of those persons. Loretta was born to the late Emmitt and Pearlie Williams on April 22, 1932, in Havana, Alabama. She quietly and serenely departed this life on February 4, 2019. She was married to fellow educator, Principal Marvin T. Allen. She was the loving mother of Eleanor Denise Allen and grandmother of Ashley Loretta Allen. Loretta received her early education in the Hale County School System. After moving to Birmingham, she graduated from A.H. Parker High School. As a lady with high educational standards Loretta continued to pursue her educational goals by graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Alabama State University. In 1951, while a student at Alabama State University, Loretta became a member of the Beta Eta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She worked diligently for 67 years in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., in numerous capacities in Tuscaloosa Alumnae, including the President of the Birmingham Alumnae Chapter, 19671969. Loretta received the 1993-1995 Fortitude Award, the highest award the Birmingham Alumnae Chapter bestows upon one of its members. Being a skilled and talented educator, Loretta received both her Master's degree and Advanced Academic Certification in Education and Administration from The University of Alabama at Birmingham. That commitment to excellence took her on a journey of educational development by attending numerous workshops and advancement classes at Wayne State University, Ohio State University, the University of Santa Barbara and Georgia Technical Institute. Loretta W. Allen's teaching career spanned over 40 years beginning as a teacher in Marengo County, Alabama. She worked as a mathematics teacher at Druid City High School, Tuscaloosa, AL, C. W. Hayes High School and A. H. Parker High, Birmingham, AL. At her alma mater, Parker High School, Mrs. Loretta W. Allen served as the Girl's Advisor. At the end of her secondary school career, she worked as Coordinator of the Career Incentive Program and retired as Personnel Coordinator for the Birmingham City Schools. In addition, she taught at Stillman College and Miles College.Although, Loretta was a busy wife, mother, and grandmother of Ashley Loretta, she was actively involved in numerous religious, community and civic organizations. Loretta had a strong belief and faith in the power of prayer. She was a faithful member and servant of Pilgrim Lutheran Church since 1945. She served as a Church Trustee and Director of Pilgrim Lutheran School. Besides serving on several Lutheran Church Boards, she was also on the Board of Trustees for Miles College School of Law. Loretta Williams Allen utilized her expertise by serving the Alabama State University Alumni Association, University of Alabama Alumni Association, the Birmingham Historical Society, the Birmingham Symphony Organization, Phi Delta Kappa, Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society, Birmingham Education Association, the National Education Association, and Board of Managers-Fourth Avenue YMCA. Loretta is predeceased by her parents, Emmitt and Pearlie Williams; husband, Marvin T. Allen; three sisters: Susie Williams McGinnis, Jo Anna Williams Dickerson and Rosia Nell Williams Reeves; two brothers: Jesse Williams and Eli Terry Williams. Loretta is survived by her loving and devoted daughter Eleanor Denise Allen; granddaughter Ashley Loretta Allen; four sisters, Patsie (George) Jones, Buffalo, NY, Ernestine (Alfred) Gray, Chicago, IL, Annie Carroll, Dublin, GA, and Lee Odahlia Williams, Atlanta, GA; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Events

Visitation

February 10, 2019, 5:00 pm
February 10, 2019, 7:00 pm
Poole's Funeral Chapels
1501 7th Avenue, North
Birmingham, AL 35203
Email: wecare@poolefuneralchapel.com
Phone: (205) 322-5574

Lying in Repose

February 11, 2019, 10:00 am
February 11, 2019, 11:00 am
Unity Lutheran Church
447 First Street North
Birmingham, AL 35204
Phone: 205-251-3451

Service

February 11, 2019, 11:00 am
February 11, 2019, 12:00 am
Unity Lutheran Church
447 First Street North
Birmingham, AL 35204
Phone: 205-251-3451

Final Resting Place

Elmwood Cemetery
600 Martin Luther King Jr Dr SW
Birmingham, AL 35211

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