Lonnie Mae Allen
Lonnie Mae Allen was born on April 17, 1938, but she did not enter this world alone. Five minutes after her arrival, her identical twin sister was born. Lonnie was born in Hampton, Arkansas to Leola Phillips and Verius Roper. She attended Rayford Public Schools. Lonnie accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at St. Paul Baptist Church of Hampton, Arkansas.
As an adult, Lonnie moved to Houston, Texas and not only worked for but she became a part of Mrs. Virginia Hedrick-Lyons’ family for over forty years. She met Selvin Davis with whom two children were born (twins). She later met and married Robert Lee Allen, Sr. with whom three sons were born. Lonnie later moved to First Ward and became a well loved and respected member of the community.
She united with Bibleway Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the Late Rev. O. B. Brown. It was there that she met and was adopted as a daughter by Mother Minnie Atkins. She was a faithful and dedicated member of Bibleway for 58 years. She was a true servant of God. She served on the Board of Trustees at the church, church clerk, and Sunday school teacher. She also served in various auxiliaries such as Mission, Usher Board Ministry, Adult Choir, Bible Class, Church School, Vacation Bible School, and Prayer Hour. She served on the Mother’s Board as one of the mothers of the church.
Mother Allen was a woman of strong faith and a prayer warrior. She did not drive or own a car but has been to every hospital in Houston praying with and for someone else. If she could not get to you, she would send some love in the form of a cake. She had a heart as pure as gold, a true Missionary. She was known by many names such as “Mama, Big Mama, Big Granny, Ms. Lonnie, Biggen, Big Sister, Aunt Biggen, Sister Allen, and Mother Allen.” She was even given the name “Sister Bibleway” by her great-nieces, but the name that matters the most is “Daughter of the King.”
Mother Allen was preceded in death by her parents; Leola Phillips, Verius Roper; Grandparents: Luvenia & Ellis Phillips, Ola & Johnny Roper. Sons: Michael Roper, Robert Allen, Jr, Rodney Allen, and Johnny Allen; one daughter: Effie Allen. Brothers: E. L. “Buddy” Roper, Billy Phillips, and Earvin Ward. Sisters: Shirley Hopkins, Betty Ward, and Melva Roper. Grandchildren: Tamara Rougeau, Wyman Allen, and Brandon Haynes. One great-granddaughter Ky’Ree Lauderdale. Adopted mother: Mother Minnie Atkins. God mother: Mother Theresa Cockrell. God sisters: Polly Wheatfall, Mattie Tanner, Eddie L. Penson, Nannie Wright, and Bennie Jackson.
She leaves to cherish her virtue: Daughters: Melody Haynes (Kenneth), Vera Allen; Sons: Dwain Allen, and Marvin Roper (Cynthia), Sisters: Lillie Daughtery and Josephine Padgitt, Brothers: Kenneth Phillips (Brenda), Bobby Tate. Ten grandchildren: John Allen, Jacqueline Britton, Pamela Haynes, Chelsea Kirkwood, Nick Peoples, Tiffanie Haynes, Tara Roper, Tykeria Johnson, Martasia Fizer, and Devoreye Johnson. Eighteen Great-grandchildren: JaVonte, Miracle, William, Andrew, Trent, Kayla, Kylee, Dylan, Destinee, Jayland, Renee, Kiayra, Myoshea, Morgan, Aniya, Martika, Megan, and Lazarius; great-great grandchild: Kameron Bryant. Seven God daughters: Diane Taylor (James), Trina Winfield (Sammy), Geneva Pruitt, Sara Jones, Brenda Williams, Patricia Jones, LaTra Jackson, Godsons: David Douhunt, Donald Sparks. Eighteen God grandchildren, Twenty-Three Great-God grandchildren. Four God sisters: Julia Jefferson, Betty Shields, Martha Brown, and Ms. Ada Mae Robinson. One God brother: Weldon Thomas (Mary). A special Brother: Sammie Winfield. Six special friends: Doris Allen, Delois Campbell, Claudia Davis, Grace Watt (Freddie), Marian Deaver, and Olinda Williams. Four special daughters-in love: Loretta Haywood, Sybil Allen, Helen Roper, and Sheila Allen. Along with a large extended family and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.