Dorothy Lucile Allen

A celebration service for the life of Dorothy Lucile Allen, age 100, will be held at 2:00 PM, on Friday, October 24, 2014 in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church, downtown Tyler with Revs. Pike Wisner and Scott Wiley and friend, Art Johnson officiating. The graveside service will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery under the direction of Lloyd James Funeral Home. Miss Allen died on Wednesday afternoon, October 15, 2014, at her home of almost three years, Azalea Trails Assisted Living in Tyler.

Dorothy was born on October 3, 1914, in Carroll, to Joe and Lola Sikes Allen, who preceded her in death. Also preceding her in death were her brothers, Harold Allen, Joe Allen and his wife Nell; and nephews, Douglas Allen and Marty Allen.

Dorothy made her profession of faith in Jesus as her Savior as a young girl in the Carroll Community. She joined Dover Baptist Church and was baptized in a nearby cattle pond.

The Allen family moved to Tyler in 1928, where Dorothy joined First Baptist Church on March 1, 1931. She graduated from Tyler High School in 1932. After attending Tyler Junior College and the Federal Institute, she went to work in the Smith County Clerk's Office. Next Dorothy worked as a secretary to geologists at Shell Oil Company until Shell moved their offices from Tyler. She then went to work for LaGloria Oil and Refining, now Delek Refining.

Dorothy was very active in retirement; she loved traveling in the United States and abroad. She was a member of the Magnifiers Sunday School class at First Baptist, a visitor for the Care Friends of the church, and a delivery person for Meals on Wheels.

Dorothy reached her much proclaimed goal of reaching her 100th birthday on Friday, October 3, 2014. Celebrating with her that day with cake, balloons, and Tyler roses were her niece Mary Allen and great nephew and niece Brian Allen and Kelly Allen, all from California. On Saturday, October 4, extended family members plus staff and friends at Azalea Trails honored her with their visits, accompanied by cake, ice cream, balloons, and a banner proclaiming "100! Happy Birthday Dot!"

Family members, former coworkers and friends remember Dorothy for her sparkling wit and keen sense of humor. She gave the gift of laughter to all around her at work, in her neighborhood on South Wall Avenue, at Wednesday night church suppers, and at meal times and front porch visits at Azalea Trails Assisted Living.

Dorothy is survived by her niece, Mary Allen of Novato, California; great nephew Brian Allen and his daughter Brianna of San Francisco, California; and great niece Kelly Allen of Santa Barbara, California. There also are many surviving cousins from the Sikes and Allen families.

Her family wishes to thank the staff, care partners, and fellow residents at Azalea Trails Assisted Living, whose love and care made Azalea Trails a happy home for her. The family also thanks the staff and companions of Home Instead Senior Care and the staff of Hospice of East Texas who were so kind and attentive to Dorothy in recent months. Many thanks also go to Dr. Frank Reuter and his staff, whose careful medical treatment through the years helped Dorothy reach her 100th birthday.

There will be a visitation on Thursday, October 23, 2014 from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 301 West Ferguson, Tyler 75702; or to The Hospice of East Texas Foundation, 4111 University Blvd., Tyler 75701.