Ella Mae Allen

Ella Mae was born on March 6, 1935 in Ahoskie, North Carolina. She grew up working on a farm with her siblings. After graduating from Ahoskie High School, she worked locally for Carolina Power and Light. She met her husband of 63 years, Frank Allen, at a church social, and soon after they started a family in Virginia. After moving to Greensboro, NC, Ella Mae began her long career with Bank of America. She began as a teller, eventually holding various leadership positions throughout many branches. After celebrating 30 years as a working woman in the banking world, she retired with the title of an Assistant Vice President. In the summer of 2023, Ella Mae moved from Charlotte, NC to Covington, LA, spending her last days close to her daughter and grandchildren.

Ella Mae spent her retired years sharing her love of baking and cooking with her family, friends, and neighbors. Her delicious pound cakes, fudge, and “Nannie biscuits” were highly sought after. Out of the kitchen she enjoyed cross-stitching, sewing, playing cards, and playing croquet. However, above all, she loved tending to her backyard and garden in Charlotte, NC. She spent her days gardening and enjoying her many flowering plants, as well as feeding and watching countless birds.

Ella Mae was predeceased by her parents, Ernest E. Barnes and Eunice Bazemore Barnes; brother, Bill Barnes of Ahoskie, NC; brother, Tommy Barnes of Manteo, NC; sister, Elma Evans of Dayton, OH; and sister, Sarah Chaffin of Roseville, CA.

Her memory will be cherished by her daughter, Donna Lloyd and David Lloyd of Covington, LA; three beloved grandchildren, Timothy Lloyd and his wife Brittany Lloyd of Hammond, LA, Patrick Lloyd of Covington, LA, and Carrie Beth Lloyd of Charlottesville, VA; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A visitation to honor Ella Mae’s life will be held at 12:30-1:30 pm on Saturday, February 24 2024, at McEwen Funeral Home - Pineville Chapel with procession to graveside service to follow at 2:00 pm at Sharon Memorial Park.

For those wishing to send memorial gifts, please consider donating to the following:

Alzheimer's Association | Donate to Fight Alzheimer's Disease (alzhdn.org)

Ways to Give | Make a Donation | American Heart Association (heart.org)

Ways to Give | ADA (diabetes.org)

Donate Now to Protect Birds | National Audubon Society (audubon.org)

Condolences may be offered at www.McEwenPinevilleChapel.com.