Kathryn "Kitty" Payne (Wren) Allen

Following her parents' divorce, she lived with her paternal grandparents until her Granny's death when Kitty was an early teen at which time she & her Granddaddy became a duo. After graduating from Girls' High in Louisville, Kitty began working at the L&N Railroad where her grandfather was employed as a train conductor. During her employment, she met Tom Allen Sr who had 3 sons serving in WWII, 2 USMC & 1 USN. Mr. Allen gave the Marines' addresses out to the girls who worked in the office so Kitty starting writing Tom Jr. After Tom's discharge from the Marines, he & Kitty became engaged, marrying Sept. 12, 1947.

Kitty & Tom began their family in Louisville KY, moving to Middletown, KY when #4, David, was on the way.

The Allens lived in Middletown until Tom transferred to GA with Courier Checks in 1961, moving into their new home Labor Day weekend. Kitty was a homemaker and volunteered at Valley Brook Baptist & then Scott Blvd Baptist until 1973 when she returned to full time employment working for HLH Office Supplies at N. DeKalb Mall.

In 1975, Kitty began employment at DeKalb Medical in the business office until her retirement in 2001 when she became full time Granny helping raise grandson Allen.

In 1997 when Kitty & Tom moved their membership to Briarlake Baptist, she retired from singing in the choir, something she'd done since high school chorus days.

Being an only child, Kitty took the Allen family as her own and is survived by nieces, nephews and their children throughout the country.

She was predeceased by Tom Jr, husband of 52 years in 2000 and Mike, USMC 1970.

Surviving children include Tom W (Maureen), Suwanee; Betty Lou (Mike), Decatur; David (Susan), Roswell; grandchildren, Ben Allen, Taylor (Andre) Hames, Allen Lark and sweet great granddaughter Lily Hames.

Kitty was a wonderful friend to many and is described in this quote from one dear friend of over 50 years "She was a lovely lady and a true friend. I have been inspired often by the way she met her many challenges."

Kitty was welcomed into her Father's House by beloved husband & son and a host of other family & friends and is spending her first Christmas with Jesus in Heaven. Thanking God for a live well lived & loved.