Jeanne Harris Allen

Obituary: Jeanne Harris Allen loved by her family, friends, and community, died Friday, March 24 peacefully at home surrounded by her family. Jeanne was born on July 27, 1924 to Allen Howell Harris, Sr. and Lanelle Gudger Harris in the Odell Community of Cabarrus County. She attended W.R. Odell school for her primary and secondary years then went to Pfeiffer College for 2 years and finished with an Elementary Education B.A. degree from Catawba College. After graduation she taught in Wilmington, NC for a couple of years then did a one year stint at a government job in Washington, DC before taking a teaching position at W.R. Odell school as a fourth grade teacher. She taught at Odell for many years throughout her life. It was at Odell School that she met her husband Blake Houston Allen who was the school's Industrial Arts teacher. She and Blake built a home in the Odell community next to her parents which was the foundation for raising a family that was dear to her heart. Jeanne loved her family as it was the cornerstone of her life. And, she loved to cook for them. She graced her family's table with unique Southern menus and delicious foods every day and especially on Sundays where the extended family gathered for fellowship and a bountiful lunch. A tradition that continued through this past year. She was always honored when friends and visitors visited her home. She once said that the ultimate compliment was being told that she had a comfortable home. And, visit they did, as it was a busy place with a warm heart. Jeanne was a graceful and gracious lady who lived life with wit and humor. Her family never knew what she might say and when she did it was with much fun. She loved crossword puzzles, creating floral arrangements, storytelling, playing cards, and traveling, especially, to her beloved coastal town of Southport, NC. As an active member of Gilwood Presbyterian Church where she attended as a child and later with her own family, she was an Elder and was a member of the Daffin Hoyt circle. Then, after declining health, she appreciated the outreach ministry of the First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte, NC so she could attend the church service at home. Jeanne is survived by her sister Patricia Harris Rankin and her husband Frank Alexander Rankin, Jr (Jack); daughter Jeanne Patricia Allen Ezzell and son-in-law Larry Stephen Ezzell, son Mark Houston Allen and daughter-in-law Sandy Falkner Allen, daughter Meredith Margaret Allen and son-in-law Paul Franklin Settlemyer (Davidson, NC), daughter-in-law Mari Ann Christy Allen (Charlotte, NC), daughter-in-law Karen Allen Byrd; and grandchildren Ellen Ezzell Holloway and husband Allen James Holloway,Jr. (Marietta, Georgia), Emily Stroup McCabe and husband Keith Christopher McCabe (Lincolnton, NC), Philip Blake Allen and wife Katie Yarusinsky Allen, Jessica Allen Barrier and husband Tim Paul Barrier, Ashley Anne Allen (Charlotte, NC), Rachel Elizabeth Allen (Brooklyn, NY), Blake Harris Allen (Charlotte, NC), William Stephen Allen (Charlotte, NC); and great grandchildren Hope Holloway (Marietta, Georgia), Connor Holloway (Marietta, Georgia), John Banks Stroup (Lincolnton, NC), Blakely Barrier, and Barrett Barrier; nieces and nephews Anne Harris Rankin, Frank Alexander Rankin II, Myra Grey Schouboe Lopeman (Cora, Wy.), and Susan Harris Milkey (Charlotte, NC). Jeanne was predeceased by her husband Blake Houston Allen, her son Philip Blake Allen, her son David Thomas Allen (Charlotte, NC), her sister Mary Margaret Harris Cleveland, and her brother Allen Howell Harris, Jr. (Charlotte, NC). The family would like to extend their love and thankfulness to Angella Trull, Leah Garmon, Meghan Postelle, Jennifer Johnson, Annie Wilkey, Deborah Barnes, and Sarah Trull who cared for her with love and compassion these past few years. They made a difference in her life and we love them. The celebration of Jeanne's life is planned for Friday, March 31 at Gilwood Presbyterian Church with a memorial service at 3 pm and the family receiving after the main service. Memorials in lieu of flowers may be made to the Hospice of Cabarrus County or to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. Jeanne's family greatfully appreciates any contributions made in her memory. Hospice of Cabarrus County, 5003 Hospice Lane, Kannapolis, NC 28081, (704-935-944); Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, 1500 Rosecrans Ave., Ste. 200, Manhattan Beach, Ca. 90266 (877-272-6226). On line condolences may be left at www.whitleysfuneralhome.com, Kannapolis, NC who is serving the family.
Visitation: Following the service

Service: 3:00 PM Friday March 31, 2017 Gilwood Presbyterian Church

Interment: Pending