Born June 23, 1911 in eastern Wake County in what is now known as Zebulon, her parents were John Green Kemp and Liley Biscoe Kemp. Mrs. Allen was educated in Zebulon schools. She furthered her education for a year at Virginia Intermont College, and then transferred to Meredith College, from which she graduated. While doing graduate work at UNC-Chapel Hill, she met James E. Allen who was also at Carolina. After receiving her degree in Library Science, and teaching three years at Wakeland and two years at Wilson, she married Mr. Allen in 1937.
Following Mr. Allen’s discharge from military service in the U.S. Army, they settled in Myrtle Beach, SC where they owned and operated “Allen’s”, an office supply and gift shop. Upon Mr. Allen’s retirement, they moved to Charlotte, and enjoyed several years in Myers Park before moving to Plantation Estates. Mr. Allen died in 2004.
Mrs. Allen is survived by her daughter, Mary Beth Fain and husband, Robert of Gastonia; three grandchildren, Susan Kiser (Scott) of Gastonia, Kimberly Koonce (Tony) of New Bern, and Dr. Allen Fain (Heather) of Piedmont, SC; as well as two great-grandchildren, Logan Koonce and Mary Kate Fain.
A service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 8th from the graveside in Evergreen Cemetery with the Reverend Dr. Larry Watts officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Matthews Presbyterian Church, 207 W. John St., Matthews, NC 28105, or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
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