Betty Joyce Blankenship Allen, 90, of Decatur, Alabama, passed away on February 3, 2024. Visitation will be on Friday, February 9, from 2 to 3 p.m., at First Bible Church, Decatur. The funeral will begin at 3 p.m. at the church, with Steve Bateman, and Paul Cheshier officiating. She will be laid to rest at Roselawn Cemetery.
She is survived by her husband, Henry C. Allen of Decatur; daughter Amy Allen Mulder of Decatur, son Russell Eric Allen of Peachtree Corners, Georgia, son Noel Clay Allen of Decatur, six grandchildren: Eric Allen of Decatur; Sarah Allen of Bellingham, Washington; Hannah Allen of Dallas, Texas; Michael Allen of San Antonio, Texas; Jessalyn Allen-Reyes of Athens, Georgia; and Kristen Mire of Zachary, Louisiana; and four great-grandchildren: James, Charlotte and Henry Allen, and June Mire.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Charlie and Pauline Blankenship, of Mt. Hope, Alabama, and nine brothers and sisters: Ethel Borden, Esther Borden, Lucy Riddle, Eunice Lynn, Joseph Blankenship, Lucille Malone, Robert Lee Blankenship, Louise Romine, and Edna McCreless.
Betty was born in Mt. Hope on August 12, 1933. She graduated from Mt. Hope High School as valedictorian of her class, moved to Decatur, and started work at The Chemstrand Corporation. There she met her husband, Henry. They married on November 19, 1955, and remained married for 68 years. Betty was a longtime member of First Bible Church. She and her family were among the first to join the church after its founding, and she participated enthusiastically in its activities ever since, hosting gatherings in her home, going on mission trips, assisting in childcare, Sunday School, Bible studies, piano, social functions and more. She had a servant’s heart and rarely drew attention to herself. She delighted in her family and volunteering in various capacities at church, at Decatur General Hospital, and in the community. But those who knew her best will remember her cooking. She ministered through food, and she was much beloved at church functions, family reunions, and by those in times of need, for her thoughtful and practical expressions of love through her cooking -- a legacy that continues in her children and grandchildren. Betty also enjoyed reading and studying the Bible; music, especially hymns and songs of the faith (especially when performed by her grandchildren); cross-stitching, gardening and nature of all kinds; and animals. Fittingly, her favorite Bible verse was 2 Peter 1:2: “Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.”
Pall bearers are grandson Eric Allen, grandsons-in-law Irvin Allen-Reyes and Schyler Mire, nephew Tommy Woodruff, and church friends Jess Montegudo and Glen Whiteside.
Flowers are welcome, or memorials may be made to Hospice of the Valley.
Roselawn Funeral Home has the honor of serving the family.
