Allen C. Goodlow, Sr.

Allen was a man defined by his profound faith and his deep, unwavering love for his family. As a dedicated member of the Our Legacy United Methodist Church, he spent years in servant-ministry, serving in numerous leadership and fellowship capacities. He stood proudly on the foundations of his beliefs and never missed an opportunity to share testimonies of God’s goodness, spreading light and encouragement to everyone around him, no matter the circumstances. His family and community will forever treasure his legacy of strength, warmth, and devotion.

Allen was a man who truly loved people, and he was loved dearly in return by a vast circle of friends. He cherished lifelong relationships and thoroughly enjoyed hanging out and making memories with Jocephus, J. C., Snarley, Calvin, Michael Smith, Ingrid, and countless others too numerous to name.

Born on January 31, 1942, Allen grew up on Corno Street in San Antonio, Texas, the beloved son of Clat S. Goodlow and Margaret Allen. He spent his formative years alongside his siblings, Dana, and Karen. Allen attended San Antonio Vocational and Technical School, where he was a vibrant and active student. He participated in theater, woodshop, track and the ROTC, earning the affectionate nickname “Little Speedy Goodlow” for his quick feet and sharp energy.

In 1960, at the age of 18, Allen answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Air Force. He served honorably until 1964, a defining chapter of his young life that instilled in him a lifelong sense of discipline and pride.

Following his military service, Allen pursued a robust and expansive education. He attended El Centro College in 1970 and Mountain View College in 1973, where he earned his Associate of Liberal Arts degree. He went on to graduate from Southern Methodist University (SMU) in 1975 with his Bachelor’s degree, followed by postgraduate studies at North Texas State University later that same year.

Allen shared his passion for knowledge as a dedicated educator, teaching within the Dallas Independent School District (DISD), El Centro College, Houston Community College, the Houston Independent School District (HISD), and the Berlioz Learning Center. A natural entrepreneur and professional leader, Allen also worked for Southwestern Bell in 1970 and Union Central Life in 1993 before becoming the successful CEO and owner of Alpha Medical Exams.

Driven by a profound call to civic leadership, Allen was deeply active in his community and served at the executive level for numerous organizations. His distinguished service roles included:

• Harris County Improvement District 5 -Secretary

• Southwest Houston 200 – Executive Committee Member

• National Kidney Foundation – Past Board President

• Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce -Vice President

• Dallas Committee of 100 -Member

• Glenshire Homeowners Association – Past President

• Black Methodists for Church Renewal -Past President

• American Heart Association -Vice President

• African American Health Coalition -Past President

• Sloan Memorial United Methodist Church -Administrative Council Chair

During his military years, Allen married Mary Dodd, and from that union, he was blessed with four children: Michael, Allen Jr., Audrey and Christopher. Later in life, Allen found love again with Dolores Johnson-Whitmore. In his later years, he found love and companionship with Connie Lee Seymour, who blessed his life with his loving son, Allen Ashley, and his stepson, Keenan.

Allen’s greatest joy was his extensive family. He is survived by his children and stepson; his beloved siblings Dana and Karen Henson and his cherished grandchildren: Mark Barnes Jr., Brandon Goodlow Griffin, Desmond Goodlow Griffin, Tiffany Goodlow, Ashton Goodlow, Cheyanne Goodlow, KeShonda Sneed, Keenan Sneed Jr., Taylor Sneed, Darnell Goodlow, Michele Goodlow. He also leaves behind a legacy of love through his great-grandchildren: Valentina, Javion, Brice, Jenny, Savannah, Kavion Glover, and Gavin Goodlow.

He also leaves to cherish a wonderful and beloved daughter-in-law Chantell L. Goodlow wife of son (Allen Ashley) and God daughter Michelle Beck.

He also leaves to cherish his memory a beloved sister-in-law, Relia Scott, who thought the world of him and loved him dearly, along with her children, Patrick Scott and Bonita Billings (husband Arthur Billings), and many more loved ones deeply held in his heart.

Allen was preceded in death by his wife, Connie Lee Seymour Goodlow; his mother, Margaret Allen; and his father, Clat Goodlow, his grandchildren, Gina Goodlow, Christopher Goodlow Jr. and Anthony D. Goodlow Mayberry.

The Goodlow family would like to extend a special appreciation to the following for their support of Allen C. Goodlow Sr. during his illness and final days.

Ms. Janet Devereaux, Felicia Lopez, Virginia Thomas, Veronica Sneed, Ms. Shelia Gloston, Stephanie Smith and all of his friends and neighbors that loved him.

The Goodlow family would also like to give special thanks to:

Sloan United Methodist Church

The staff and doctors at Veterans Administration Michael DeBakey Center

Kelsey Seybold Doctors and Staff

The Doctors and Staff at MD Anderson

The Doctors and Staff at Baylor St. Luke’s Hospital

Encompass Health Rehabilitation Center

Our Legacy United Methodist Church Family