Norma Love Henderson Allen

Our beloved mother and grandmother, Norma Love Henderson Allen passed away peacefully in her sleep on June 9, 2009. She lived a long and full life, and she will be greatly missed. Born and raised in Wilmington, Norma graduated from New Hanover High School at the age of 16. While attending NHHS, she played on the girl's tennis and basketball teams. She married USN Ensign Frank Allen, of Las Vegas, Nevada, February 12, 1944. Norma was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She was a sharp businesswoman, a skilled bridge player, and was an unfailing example of thrift and frugality. She was a talented musician and lyricist and had a wonderful sense of humor and a great sense of style. Norma was witty and beautiful and we will miss her vivacious personality. She is survived by her brother, Marion Henderson of Provo, Utah; four children, Franklin Dean Allen and wife Nancy of Layton, Utah; Robert Jeffrey Allen and wife Susan of Wilmington NC; James Lee Allen of Summerville, SC; and George Victor Allen and wife Birgit of Wilmington, NC; 14 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her loving husband Franklin Higbee Allen, her sister Carrie Pringle, brothers Cranmer Henderson and James Henderson, and parents Odis Hildreth Henderson and Bertha Mae Jones Henderson. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 514 South College Road, conducted by Bishop Jeff Yankey. Interment will follow at the Latter-day Saints Church Cemetery, Hampstead. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 pm Monday, June 15, 2009, at Andrews Mortuary Valley Chapel, 4108 South College Road, Wilmington, NC. Pallbearers will be Jason Allen, Franklin Allen, Jeremy Allen, Will Allen, David Allen, Christopher Allen, Tim Brown, and Paul Illguth. Honorary pallbearers will be the Biology Wives: Betty Biggs, Dorotha Cahill, Mary Lyons, Frances Parnell, Irme Plyler; and Barbara Byrd. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Franklin H. Allen Scholarship Fund, University Development Office, UNCW, 601 S. College Rd., Wilmington NC 28403.