Dorothy Jean Allen was born on January 11, 1939 in Chicago IL, to the late Thomas and Annie Louise Barnes. At an early age, Dorothy accepted Christ, as her lord and savior, she went on to be baptized at Landmark Baptist Church in Chicago IL.
During her high school years she met and married her high school sweetheart, Sanford. They went on to celebrate 67 years of wedded bless. From there union, they raised their beautiful daughters Yolanda Lousie and Sandra Delicia.They later moved to Maywood, IL where Dorothy was an active member of the community. She was a long-standing member of the Rotary Club, Operation Push, and The Second Baptist Church in Maywood. Dorothy sang in the Sanctuary Choir, was a member of the Women’s Day Committee, and served in various ministries in her devotion to the Lord. In addition to civic service, Dorothy was often employed in service professions that afforded her opportunities to use her innate talents and skills to better and improve the lives of many. She was most proud of her contribution to the community through providing support to youth through literacy and employment services. Dorothy spent a great portion of her life in service to others, both personally and professionally. She was a highly cultivated woman and amazingly multifaceted in that she created beautiful articles of clothing, crafted delectable confections, and was a licensed cosmetologist, all while blazing a trail as a black woman in management. She modeled strength and beauty. Dorothy embodied her many life roles, including wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, with grace and selflessness. It is without doubt that Dorothy most enjoyed being a grandma and great grandma. She showered her grandchildren and great-grandchildren with love, affection, and words of affirmation.
On April 19, 2024, after battling Alzheimer’s disease, Dorothy, departed this Earth to be with the Lord. In the days preceding her passing Dorothy was surrounded with love and prayers. Dorothy was a remarkable person whose love, warmth, and thoughtfulness touched the lives of all individuals that knew her. Dorothy’s family, friends, and those who have known her over the years will continue to carry on her memory, spirit, and essence.
Dorothy leaves to cherish her memory: her husband Sanford Curtis Allen, two daughters; Yolanda Tate and Sandra Allen; two sisters Fannie Sharp and Thomasine Leon; five grandchildren Curtis Tate (Paula), Taneshia Wilson (Freedom), Brandon McKnight (Jennifer), Nathaniel Tate (Alexandra), Mykala Walton (Terry); twelve great grandchildren Kendrick, Simone, Thai, Talia, Allen, Soleil, Caiden, Carmelo, Arianna, Alysse, Elijah, and Jacob; and a host of additional family and friends.
Friends and family will gather for a visitation for Dorothy that will be held on Saturday, April 27th, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at Blake-Lamb Funeral Home, 5015 Lincoln Avenue, Lisle, Illinois 60532, followed by a prayer service from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.BlakeLambLisle.com for the Allen family.
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