Nellie Mae Allen

Nellie M. Allen was born on July 20, 1920 to Jesse Cottingham and Fannie D. Shepherd-Cottingham. Her father was a traveling minister preaching each Sunday at a different church in the district. He died when Nellie was 8 months-old and the family moved to Birmingham, Alabama. She moved to Michigan in 1924 and her loving grandmother raised and influenced her life. Not attending church was never an option.

When she was 8 years-old, at a revival, she accepted Christ as her Savior and was baptized by Pastor Thomas. To this day her favorite song is “He Never Left Me Alone”.

On July 22, 1943 she was united in marriage to Deacon Vernon O. Allen by Pastor E. H. Hickerson of the Mt. Hermon Baptist Church, Mineral Wells, Texas. Deacon Allen was drafted in September of that year for service in World War II. He had his naval training in San Diego, California. When he graduated she followed him and on December 19, 1943 arrived in San Diego. During his training he united with Bethel Baptist Church and they attended there. When he was deployed to Hawaii, they were living with B. T. and Irma Williams members of Calvary Baptist Church. For the 15-months he was away, she attended church with them.

In 1947 under the pastorate of Rev. O.T. McWilliams they united with Second Baptist of Linda Vista. Her work was with the deaconess, Mission Society and Bible teacher of the Young Women’s Guild. It was a joy to watch them learn what thus says the Bible and was the best fund raiser.

In 1944 her first job in San Diego was for the government in the supply department on North Island. It was a nickel each way to ride the ferry across the bay. In August 1945, when her grandmother became ill she terminated her employment at North Island to go back to Birmingham, Alabama to care for her until she passed away. Upon her return to San Diego, she went to work at the Marine Corp base and remained until it closed.

She received a citation from the Commandant for her service during World War II.

After World War II her first job was at a furniture store, where she was allowed to use her natural talent as a decorator. She learned style and discovered her natural talent as a decorator.

She worked fourteen and a half years with the City of San Diego, Harbor Department and Unified Port District. She was employed by the Scripps family for many years and has maintained relationships with each generation since.

In 2004, Sister Nellie Allen united with the Encanto Southern Baptist Church under the pastorate of Rev. Don E. Conley and was member in good standing until she was called home to reward.

Nellie Allen leaves behind to cherish her memory her son Berry Allen (Janet), grandson Anthony Allen (Erica), grand children, Shaleigha, Anthony and Josiah Allen; Felix and Ethan Torres. Numerous nephews and nieces and other relatives and friends. Special acknowledgement to the Scripps family, Kelly Willis and Joseph Edward.