Regina Deborah Allen

She married her first husband John Allen, Sr. and had their first child John, Jr., all taking place in 1967. She became a widow in 1968. Soon after, she began her role in the American job force settling with the Social Security Administration in October, 1970 as a clerical worker. Over the course of the next 38 years she held several SSA positions around the Midwest, including becoming the first female African-American Assistant District Manager in Terre Haute, Indiana. She also was the first female African-American District Manager in Saginaw and Lansing, Michigan. She ended her SSA career in Okemos, Michigan in January, 2009 as a Project Manager. Regina also did stints with Lewton Elementary and WalMart from 2015 to 2023.

Ms. Allen also served on numerous boards and committees in the Lansing area between 1995 and 2024; including the Michigan Board of Nursing, Tri-County Office on Aging, Ingham County TRIAD, Advisory Council, and the Trinity AME Church Stewardess Board under the guidance of Reverend Lila Martin. In the midst of these historical accomplishments, Regina had her second child Jason in 1990 with her life partner Joseph Sayles. They stayed together until his death in January, 2010.

Regina departed this life on August 9, 2024 and is survived by her children John Allen, Jr. (Tracy) and Jason Sayles; grandsons Joshua Allen and Isaiah Allen; brothers Haven Crim (Jeannette), Courtney Crim, and Terrance Crim (Denise); brothers-in-law Silas Dobbins, Jr., John Sayles, Thomas Brooks (Brenda), and Bernard Brooks; sisters Darcelle Crim, Rochelle Ward, and Triandis Crim; sister-in-law Mary Jane Brooks; many nieces and nephews, and lifelong friend Gaylora Williams. Her father Holland, mother Eva, and brother Marcellus Crim preceded her in death in 1997, 2008, and 1970 respectively. Regina also leaves behind a trove of extended family, friends, and fellow church members.