Wanda June Allen

Wanda “June” Hall Allen went to be with her Heavenly Father on June 7, 2024. Waiting to greet her were her loving daughters, Linda Allen Calkins and Martha Allen Lee; her mother, Marie Hall Edwards; her two aunts, Helen Wood and Juanita Gates; her beloved best friend of 85 years, Delores Cochran; and a host of other family members and friends, all of whom preceded her in death.

Born on June 9, 1931, in Shreveport, LA, her family moved to Bossier City when June was eight years old. At that time she began attending First Baptist Church of Bossier and surrendered her life to Jesus Christ at a young age. She has been a faithful member there for 85 years, where she served for many years, including 35 years of teaching in a third grade Sunday School class as well as leading in Girls’ Auxiliary mission group, Woman’s Missionary Union, and Training Union. When she was no longer able to serve, she joined the Mary Martha Sunday School Class, attended faithfully, and loved each lady immensely. She was saddened when she became unable to attend but continued to carry each one of them in her heart.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband of 74 years, Otis Allen of Bossier City, LA; devoted daughter, Jeanie Allen Armstrong of Benton, LA; five loving grandchildren and their families : Emily Armstrong King (husband Brian and children Graham, Miles, and Hayes) of McKinney, TX; Lori Armstrong Machen (husband Kyle and children Molly, Lanie, and Lindy) of Benton, LA; Erin Calkins Falterman (husband Ryan and children Chase, Emileigh Linda, and Zane) of Friendswood, TX; Mallory Chambers Holloway (husband Brannon and children Winnie June, Holt and Hanley) of Princeton,LA; and Mason Allen Chambers (wife Jessica and children Willa and Rhett) of Baton Rouge, LA. Additionally, she is survived by her son-in-law, Charles Lee of Shreveport, LA and his children Alice Lee Hunt (husband Freddie and children Evan and Ainsley) of Haughton, LA; Jon Lee (wife Meghan) of Arlington, VA; and David Lee (wife Alexandra) of Hillsborough, NC. She also leaves behind a host of family members and friends she loved dearly, especially her beloved lifelong friend, Sue Lessman of Tyler, TX.

After her graduation from Bossier High School in 1948, June graduated from business college in Shreveport, LA. In 1949 she married her high school sweetheart, Otis Allen, and began working for an insurance agency. Soon she decided to become a stay-at-home mom to her girls. Even then, she served as president of the PTA where her girls were attending and was always ready to help at school in any way possible. Her greatest memory from her service there was buying shoes for little children at Bossier Elementary who were in need. When Linda was almost ready for college, June returned to work as secretary of the Bossier YMCA. In 1978 she became secretary at Kerr Elementary School in Bossier City for 21 years. Oh how she loved her Kerr friends! They truly became a second family to her.

June was a devoted and faithful wife for 74 years and was the ultimate loving and supportive mom who took the time to make sure her family knew Jesus and who served as a wonderful role model for all of her family. She was always home to greet her 3 girls after school with warm, homemade cookies or brownies or a special Hostess treat after a long day at school. Mom was the absolute best!! One of her greatest joys in life was gathering her family every Sunday after church for a feast she had prepared for us all to enjoy. Adored by her grandchildren, she was an amazing grandmother who was always ready to love on her grandchildren and spend time with them. June gained many friends along the way and will be fondly remembered for her kind and loving ways along with her funny and straightforward quips and conversations. She was a beautiful, incredible person and was loved by so many!

A heartfelt thanks to all of the employees of Cypress Point Nursing and Rehab Facility for the love and wonderful care you afforded her as a resident. There are too many to name, but a special thanks to the administrators and staff, especially Sarah for your willingness to listen and help; her many nurses, especially Vicki, KD, and LaWanda, along with the 3 Stooges (you know who you are); and her amazing therapy group. A special remembrance of the CNAs who provided daily loving care, especially Renda who always called Mom her “Sweet Pea” and whom Mom truly loved and Nene who provided tender, loving care in Mom’s final days. Additionally, thank you to Miss Pat, her sweet friend she met at Cypress whom she looked forward to seeing each day and all of the sweet ladies who sat at her dinner table. All of you will remain in our grateful hearts forever.

Although our family is greatly saddened by her loss, we are comforted in knowing that she is in the arms of Jesus and has reunited once more with her girls she missed so much. We rejoice that her struggles have ceased and are thrilled that she is now enjoying her rewards for her life well-lived. We love you, Mom, and will miss you every day for the rest of our lives.

Visitation will begin at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at Hill Crest Memorial Chapel. Services will begin at 2:00 PM with interment immediately following at Hill Crest Memorial Park, Haughton, LA.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

- 2 Timothy 4: 7