Ethel Marie Sauls Allen

Marie was born on Sept 13, 1938 to Ethel T. and Ernest J. Sauls as the last of 8 children. She grew up in Goldsboro, NC where she met and married William R. (Bill) Allen in 1958. They moved to Raleigh in 1964 where they raised their family and celebrated 59 years of marriage.

Marie was a quintessential homemaker who loved setting up a beautiful dining table and entertaining family and friends. Having a caring heart and great listening skills, she welcomed many friends of all ages into her life. As a faithful church member at both Hillyer Memorial Christian Church (early Raleigh years) and lastly at Crossroads Fellowship, she taught children’s Sunday school, visited shut-ins, participated in small group life, assisted in newcomer orientation, and labored as a prayer warrior. Marie also learned about God’s amazing grace and salvation through Jesus Christ through bible studies at New Hope Baptist Church, Bible Study Fellowship, and Crossroads Fellowship. She was an exceptional caregiver for many family members and especially for Bill in his final years.

She delighted in time spent with her grandsons, with many memories made as they grew up spending fun filled hours at her Northwood Drive home in the Raleigh North Hills area.

Some of her “favorite things” included: Time spent with family and friends often accompanied by a good cup of coffee and dessert; Beautiful cups and saucers and garden flowers; Interior decorating; Carolina basketball; Yard sale and thrift shopping; Watching classic movies and Gunsmoke.

Marie is survived by her daughter Kim Milian (Chuck) of Raleigh, NC; son Vance Allen (Jana) of Goldsboro, NC; grandsons Joshua Milian (Natalie) of Covington, LA and Caleb Milian (Emma Grace) of Hephzibah, GA; Brother-in-law Dwight Allen of Raleigh; Sisters-in-law Robin Allen of Raleigh, Frances Allen and Joyce Sauls of Goldsboro, Peggy Sauls of Raleigh. Additionally, she has many special nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, June 15 from 1:00-2:15pm followed by a Celebration of Life at 2:30pm at Brown Wynne Funeral Home, 1701 E Millbrook Rd, Raleigh.

Heartfelt thanks for the final weeks of caregiving support go out to Amy and Sandy (cousins) and Transitions HospiceCare staff members: Lauren, Aissatou, and Taylor.

Memorial Contributions can be made to Transitions LifeCare, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607. Transitionslifecare.org.