Bertha Valorie (Saunders) Allen was born January 2, 1927 in Kansas City, Kansas. She later referred to herself as Valorie B. Allen. She was the seventh of nine children born to Buel and Sadie Ann (Fletcher) Saunders. Valorie was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Roy Edward Allen; sister, Lydia Mae (Saunders) Jones; six brothers, Jewell, Stanley, Jerold, Virgil, James, and David Buel Saunders.
Valorie accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior while attending Third Street Church of God (currently New Seasons Christian Church) in Kansas City, Kansas.
Valorie was educated in the Kansas City, Kansas public schools in Wyandotte County. She attended Douglas Elementary, Northeast Junior High, and Sumner High School.
In 1952, Valorie married her loving husband of 56 years, Roy Edward Allen from Kansas City, Missouri. Valorie and Roy enjoyed traveling, spending time with family and friends, attending family reunions, listening to live music, and playing board games.
Valorie spent much time in personal devotion and studying the Word of God. She was an avid lover of the traditional hymns; such as, “I’d Rather Have Jesus”, “Higher Ground”, “How Great Thou Art”, “Amazing Grace”, “Peace in the Valley”, “Oh Church of God”, to name a few.
Valorie worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Family Practice at KU Medical Center for many years until retiring in the late 1980s. She shared several memories of working in the healthcare profession, reflecting upon everything from the long work days to her interactions with the patients. After retirement, she worked tirelessly to provide care for her parents, brothers, and to her husband, Roy, until he passed away in 2008.
Valorie was quite a communicator, as she had a special way of connecting with people. She never met a stranger. She was a genuine, authentic person who exhibited love and a servant’s heart for her family, friends, and neighbors.
Valorie went home to be with the Lord surrounded by family on March 14, 2020. She will be lovingly remembered by her brother, Arnold P. Saunders of Kansas City, Kansas; two sisters-in-law, Mary Saunders of Detroit, MI and Dorothy Saunders of Philadelphia, PA; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and her Church of God family.
The family thanks you for your support, prayers and thoughts at this time of sorrow and celebration.
