Thelma Elizabeth Allen, of Pinellas Park, FL, formerly of Orlando, entered the glorious realm of heaven on April 6, 2021 after 95 years and 42 days on this earth. She was joyfully greeted by the King of Kings with the words “Well done thou good and faithful servant.” And Robert, her husband of 62 years was there to take her hand.
Thelma was born on February 26, 1926 to parents Hubert Fyke and Essie Dammon Fyke. At age 17, she eloped with a soldier, Robert M. Allen, who remained the love of her life until his passing in 2005.
They wrote to one another every day until his return from service in the Army in WWII. Then they started their family: Donna Rae and Kenneth Reese in 1947 and 1948. The young family moved to Florida and to the (then) small town of Orlando, where they bought a new home on Spruce St. in College Park. For the next 6 decades, they welcomed neighbors, family, and friends to their home.
On her 90th birthday, Thelma had a large celebration, gave up her car, sold her home and most of her beloved antiques and moved to an Assisted Living Facility, then to Pinellas Park to be near her daughter and family.
Thelma was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and aunt; an accomplished quilter, furniture refinisher, crafter, gardener, cook and an expert at garage sales. She loved her Orlando Magic and never missed watching a game.
She was so proud of her Southern heritage and her family. She and Robert worked side by side, traveled in their many boats, automobiles and motorhomes side by side, and enjoyed the sights they saw and the friends they made in 48 of our 50 states.
She was a beautiful, strong, caring, independent, Christian woman and the heart of her family.
Thelma was predeceased by her husband, Robert and her brother Sidney Fyke (Dorothy). She will be remembered and cherished by many including her daughter Donna Leavengood (Jay), Pinellas Park, FL., son Kenny Allen (Vicky), Jacksonville, FL., grandchildren Dain McCormick (Crystal), Treasure Island, FL., Megan Hall (Dean), Fayetteville, N.C., Katie Sanchez (Rylan), Seminole, FL., Amy Farmer (Rick), Jacksonville, FL., Matt Allen, Honolulu, HI, Andy Allen (Kristen), Jacksonville, FL., and Nelse Willard (Sara), Colorado Springs, CO.; great grandchildren Reese Sanchez, Kensley Sanchez, Charlotte Farmer, Audrey Farmer, Peyton Allen, Adriana Allen, Ava Allen and Payne Allen; brother in law Paul Allen (Teri), sister in law Peggy Venegas (Hugo), nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, her beloved College Park United Methodist Women, the church congregation, and her College Park neighbors especially her honorary daughter, Cathleen Wallace and family.
A celebration of her life will be held when Covid restrictions permit. Any donations may be made to College Park United Methodist Church’s Children’s Program or their Vacation Bible School.
Arrangements were made under the direction of Garden Sanctuary Funeral Home, 7950 131st Street, Seminole, FL 33776 / 727-391-0121.
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