Rosella "Mama Rose" Allen

Our beloved Rosella “Mama Rose” Allen was born Dec 7, 1929 in Garysburg, NC to the late Govan and Annie Garner, she also attended grade school there. She married William Allen in Portsmouth, VA and later moved to Pensacola, FL. She worked at the 99 Boys Ranch and then became a loyal housekeeper for the Rushing and Balchunas family. In later years, she worked with The Council on Aging as a foster grandparent at Lincoln Park Elementary. Her walk with Christ began at Roanoke Salem Baptist Church in Garysburg, NC. Here in Pensacola, she became a member of St. Peters Baptist Church. She later became a loyal and active member of Damascus Road MBC, where served as a mother of the church until she was called home.

On Tuesday, May 30th, 2023 Rosella ended her earthly journey and was called to live eternally with our Lord. She was preceded in death by her mother and father, Govan and Annie Garner, husband; William Allen, daughter; Janice Sheffield, sister; Lillie Bea Garner, grandson; Ja’Monte Harding, and best friend; Catherine Glenn.

Mama Rose leaves to cherish her memory, legacy, and sweet spirit her children; John (Ella) Harding, Wilson (Betty) Harding, and Chareese Harding her great granddaughter whom she reared as her own. Her God children; Patricia (Danny) of Ft Worth, TX & Tyrone Ray (Japan). Nine grandchildren; Tyrone (Edna) Harding (Houston, Tx), Steven (Johnitta) Harding Sr. (Chantilly, VA), Brittany (Kevin) Bispham (Havelock, NC), Robert (LaShawn) Williams (Richmond, VA), Hezekiah (Dawn) Barge Jr. of Tennessee, Kenyaetta Maxwell-Robinson, Evelyn Rose Harding, Johnny Maxwell Jr., and Wilson Harding Jr., all of Pensacola, FL. Two siblings; Ann Lemon (East Orange, NJ) and Roger Garner (Raleigh, NC). Nieces and nephews; Shirley (Grover) Ramsey, Evelyn (Brian) Blount, Diane Smith, Glenda Johnson & Percy (Doris) Warren Jr., all of North Carolina. Tyrone Garner, Sharon Dungee and William (Christine) Brown, all of New Jersey. Wayne Ford (Ft Worth, TX) and Rebecca Thomas (Pensacola, FL.) 28 great-grandchildren, 18 great-great-grandchildren and an abundance of great- nieces & nephews, cousins, and friends. Special friends include her beloved pastor Rev. Dr. Earl F. Jackson, her neighbors; Mother Eunease Smith & Robert Dees. Also, two friends that helped care for her Mother Minnie Skanes and Catherine McReynolds.