Verna Perkins Allen

Verna Perkins Allen, born December 18, 1920 a native of Mobile and resident of Fairhope the past 8 years passed away at home on Monday, July 15, 2013. She was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years John (Johnny) Frank Allen, Jr.; her parents Mae Belle Hinson Perkins and Hardin Augustus Perkins and brother-in-law Ira Fincher Allen of Birmingham. She is survived by her daughter Patsy Allen, son John H. Allen and daughter-in-law Carol Perkins Allen of Birmingham; grandchildren; John Clifford Allen of Birmingham, Natalie Allen (Charles) Magee of Arvada, Colorado, Rachel Allen (J.J.) Peacock of Monterey, California, Austin Frank Allen of Birmingham; brother-in-law, Robert Williams (Bobby) Allen of Mobile; Sister-in-law Jody Allen of Birmingham; two great grandchildren; Gage Parker Allen of Montgomery and Charlotte Kennedy Magee of Arvada, Colorado; nieces, nephews and other relatives. Special thank you to her devoted caregivers; Crystal McCorvey, Maureen Peterson and Katie Barnes. Verna was a member of 1937 class of Murphy High School, local mystic societies and the namesake of a local mystic organization’s iconic dragon floats: Verna and Vernadean (along with another lady). In 1976 she was the first woman in the gulf coast area to be recognized as a certified professional contracts manager with the National Contract Association. She retired in 1980 from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. While living in Mobile she was active in the Springhill Garden Club. She grew up attending the Government Street United Methodist Church and was a charter member of the Orange Beach United Methodist Church. She played the piano and organ in the churches. She loved playing the accordion, organ and keyboards. She once belonged to a ladies band “The Beatnik 5” with friends-usually on the accordion. Verna loved working with her husband and the Junior Chamber of Commerce with the America’s Junior Miss program. In association with these activities she met many interesting and famous people who also became her friend. Visitation will be held at Radney Funeral Home on Thursday, July 18, 2013 from 9:30 until 11:30 a.m. Graveside services will be held at Pine Crest Cemetery beginning at 12 Noon. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to Orange Beach United Methodist Church, 28751 Canal Road, Orange Beach AL 36561 or a charity of your choice. All Condolences may be offered at www.radneyfuneralhome-mobile.com.