Dessie Belle Ballard Allman

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Birch (Bud) Alexander Allman; brothers, Coley, Norman, and James Ballard.

Dessie is survived by her daughter, Tammy Renee Allman; son, Terry Alexander Allman; grandson, Benjamin Allman; great-grandson, Brady Allman; great-granddaughter, Natalie Allman; son, Michael Allman; brothers, Toy and Curley Ballard.

Dessie Belle Allman was a force of nature. After the passing of our sweet father Bud in 1988, she became the matriarch of our family and perfected the role of mother. Her kindness and care extended beyond her own children to friends, neighbors, animals and strangers in need. Her suppers always drew a weekly crowd at the family home and she was one of those people you could always call for a kind word and support. She had a fierce sense of humor, the kindest heart and she walked gently upon this Earth for 94 years. She spent the last years of her life with her daughter, Tammy, in the mountains of WNC.

Dessie was employed for 20+ years and retired from Claremont Elementary School where she also mothered many souls who passed through those doors. She was known for her impeccable fashion sense, intuition and always seemed to be the smartest person in the room. Dess Belle was truly a beautiful soul both inside and out and those lucky to have crossed her path will miss her deeply. This is the photo from her 94th birthday celebration. She will always be beautiful.

Our deep grief serves to exemplify a depth of praise for her life and the love she embodied.

Visitation and receiving of friends will be held at 1pm Monday, Feb. 9th 2026 prior to the service.

The funeral service will then be held at Drum Funeral Home Chapel in Conover, NC at 2 pm. Burial will follow at Catawba Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Friends Of Madison County Animals at www.fomca.org.

Condolences may be left at www.drumfh-conover.com

The Allman Family is under the care of Drum Funeral Home.