Barbara Ann Allen

The Matriarch Barbara Ann Allen was born in Harlem NY on September 30, 1942, to the late Dorothy Lee Thomas and Henry Edwards and was later raised by her late Aunt Annie Mae Cummingham. As an adult, Barbara lived in Long Island City Queens with her devoted partner John Portee until her transition to glory on March 14, 2025. As a young child, Barbara was a vibrant compassionate person with a stoic sense of being. She was greatly connected to her community where she dedicated her time to others in different capacities. She would help the elderly, volunteer at her local library, and served as a long-time member of her local community garden team. Barbara also had a true passion for water sports where she received many awards in competitive swimming.

Barbara always wanted a big family; she gave birth to ten kids. She was the beloved mother of Lamont, Linda, Donna, Sandra, Frances, Mark, Kisha, Nicole and her two deceased daughters Barbara and Yolanda. Mother-in-law to Bobby, Ronnie (Val), Suelyn, James (Jimmy), Wayne (Troy) and her two deceased sons-in-law James III and Marco, Sr. (Tony). She leaves behind 30 grandchildren, 1 deceased grandchild Lamont Jr., 35 Great Grandchildren, 2 Great-Great Grandchildren, brother Robert Thomas, and a host of family and Friends.

She also inherited more children than she gave birth to because of her motherly spirit in the community, everyone just called her "MOM". That is a testament to the positive energy she gave to everyone she encountered.

Barbara had an unwavering faith in God. She was dedicated to her family and left an indelible mark on them all. She instilled in them the importance of love, strength, and connectedness. She was a guiding light, the pillar of her family, and her legacy will continue for generations to come.