Phyllis Roberts Allen

Our beloved mother Phyllis Roberts Allen passed away peacefully on Monday, September 9, 2024, after an extended illness.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Winnie Roberts, her husband of 49 years, Avery E. Allen, her infant son, Conrad Allen, and her beloved cousin “Aunt” Fredia (Jimmy)Boyd.

She leaves behind two devoted daughters, Jacquelyn Alissa Allen, and Jennifer Dawn (Corey)Jarmon, two grandsons, Christopher Allen Jarmon, and Robert Avery Jarmon, and one great-granddaughter, Aria Dawn Jarmon. She is also survived by her sister Joyce (Wesley) McDonald of Spanish Town, Jamaica, and two brothers Phillip Roberts of Sidney Australia, and Carlton Roberts of Melbourne Australia. Among her survivors are three dear sisters in-law, Annie King, Mary Cole, and Barbara McDaniel; two brothers-in-law, Joe Allen and Herchial Allen; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Phyllis was born in St. Ann, Jamaica West Indies, and raised in Kingston, Jamaica. In her late teens, she travelled to Chicago, Illinois and lived with her Aunt Fredia and Uncle Jimmy while attending cosmetology school. She graduated from the Lydia Adams Beauty College in 1964. While living in Chicago, she was introduced to the love of her life, an army soldier, Avery Allen who she married in1965. Once married, Avery moved her to his hometown of Florence, Alabama. It was in Florence that she settled and fulfilled her dream of becoming a wife and mother. Phyllis’ desire was to be a virtuous woman who served her family well all of her life. She fulfilled this dream by being a Christian wife and mother, teaching her children and later her grandchildren the Bible from an early age. She was often known to break out in Christian songs with her beautiful alto voice. She taught her daughters, relatives, and children in Bible class, her signature song, the “ABC’s of the Bible.” She was a Sunday School teacher and wife of a Deacon while serving at Westside Church of Christ and later would stand by the side of her husband as an Elder’s wife at Helton Drive Church of Christ. She was known for visiting the sick and shut-ins and had a special place in her heart for the elderly. She was an excellent seamstress who made her daughter’s clothes while they were growing up. She made drapery with her sister-in-law and made a variety of baby blankets for expectant mothers over the years. Phyllis was never idle. She was always doing good for her family and others in need. She enjoyed attending church where she was a member of Helton Drive Church of Christ for over 30 years and in her later years a member of Cox Boulevard Church of Christ. She loved reading her Bible, and enjoyed learning about American history. Her hobbies were gardening, sewing, cooking, yard sales, thrifting, singing, and spending time with her family. Phyllis was a happy person who loved to laugh. Her smile and laugh would light up a room. She never met a stranger and was the type of person that once someone met her they loved her. She touched many hearts during her lifetime. We will carry you in our hearts forever and see you again once in Heaven.

Because Phyllis suffered from a rare illness, the family has requested that in lieu of plants, contributions be made to CurePSP to fund much needed research and treatment for this devastating disease. Contributions can be made by check and mailed to CurePSP, 325 Hudson Street 4th Floor, New York, NY 10013 or made electronically online at PSP.org. Please be sure to notate “In Memory of Phyllis Allen” on all contributions.

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