July 30, 1948 – September 30, 2026
If you knew Christine Smith Allen, you knew a woman who lived life with an open heart, an unstoppable work ethic, and a suitcase that was always packed for the next grand adventure. On September 30, 2026, Christine traded in her passport and apron for wings, leaving behind a legacy filled with deep faith, laughter, and a recipe collection that could rival any southern restaurant.
For decades, Allen Chapel Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas was Christine’s spiritual home, her second living room, and a runway for community service. She believed in rolling up her sleeves and getting things done. Over the years, Christine wore nearly every hat in the building: keeping the books straight as the church secretary, guiding the next generation of youth as a devoted
Sunday school teacher, keeping the teenagers in line as a trusted youth chaperone, and making sure the church fellowship hall smelled incredible for church services. If something was
happening at Allen Chapel, Christine’s hands, heart, and smile were right in the center of it.
Christine possessed an extraordinary work ethic. She dedicated an impressive 45 years of service at Texas Instruments (now Raytheon), witnessing decades of industry change while providing steady, reliable excellence every single day. Because sitting still was never quite her style, she also spent nine fun years greeting shoppers and sharing laughs part-time at Burlington Coat Factory in Red Bird Mall. Christine treated her colleagues and customers like family, bringing warmth and cheer to every shift.
When summer rolled around, nobody had to ask where Christine was, she was on the move. An adventurous traveler at heart, she loved nothing more than rounding up her church friends and girlfriends to hit the skies or to board a cruise ship. Her travels took her all over the world, soaking in the sights and flavors of Spain, Italy, Mexico, Belize, and other countless European ports. Christine believed the world was meant to be seen, enjoyed, and explored with the people she loved most.
To step into Christine’s kitchen was an experience of pure joy. A culinary artist with a natural flair for flavor, she created well over 100 original recipes from scratch. Her desserts in particular achieved legendary status. If there was a family reunion, holiday dinner, or church function, everyone immediately checked the dessert table to see what Christine had baked.
Above all, Christine’s greatest pride was her family. She was a devoted and loving mother of Christopher Allen and Sharlene Allen. The time spent together was always filled with vibrant energy, whether battling it out over competitive card games around the table, discovering favorite new restaurants, or setting off on spontaneous family trips. She embraced her family warmly, sharing deep affection and cherished moments with her stepdaughter, Rochell Allen, and her daughter-in-law, Dawn Allen.
Christine lived with enthusiasm, served with purpose, and loved without hesitation. Her memory will continue to shine brightly every time cards are dealt, a passport gets stamped, or a sweet
dessert is passed around the family table.
