Born on August 1, 1943, in Lynchburg, VA, she was the daughter of Eva Mays Gowen and the late Howard Franklin Evans. She is also preceded in death by her beloved husband of fifty-eight years, Calvin R. Allen, Sr., her sister, Esther Maddox, and her brother, Howard Franklin, Jr.
Irene is survived by her mother, Eva M. Gowen, her two children, Calvin R. Allen, Jr. (Julie) and Jean Renee Allen (Don Kidd), and her sisters, Mary Parr and Jacqueline Sandidge. Irene was a loving grandmother to five grandchildren; Christopher R. Allen, Raychal D. Campbell (Tyler), Marlina Doss (David), Beau Kidd, and Matthew Kidd (Liz), and a cherished great-grandmother to twelve great-grandchildren; Chace, Austin, Tyler, Allaura, Marissa, Christian, Dakota, Teagan, Kendra, TJ, River and Oaklynn. She is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family.
Irene was a devoted member of Monroe United Methodist Church, where she found great joy in service and singing with the choir. She retired from Central Virginia Training Center after many years as a dedicated nurse. A true lover of the outdoors, Irene made beautiful memories camping and fishing with Calvin, friends, and family around the South, and at Thousand Trails Campgrounds. Her passion for travel led her to many wonderful places in the US and Europe. Irene and Calvin sang and performed for many years with the Ageless Wonders. A prolific photographer, she could always be found with a camera in hand, chronicling ordinary days as well as treasured events and celebrations with family and loved ones. She is dearly missed.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, February 23, 2025, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Whitten Monelison Chapel. A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, February 24, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Monroe United Methodist Church with Pastor Daniel Dibble officiating. Following the service, Irene will be laid to rest at Briarwood Memorial Gardens.
