Joan Jackson Allen

Oklahoma City - Joan "Mamo" Jackson Allen, of Oklahoma City, passed away peacefully on August 18, 2025, at the age of 94.

Mamo was born on Palm Sunday, March 29, 1931, in Wewoka, Oklahoma, to Savannah Elizabeth Stevens and William Ralph Jackson, who were high school sweethearts in Shawnee. She grew up in Oklahoma City and graduated in 1948 from Purcell High School. She went on to attend the University of Oklahoma, where she met Jack Meredith Allen. They were married on March 29, 1951, and soon after moved overseas to Japan, where Jack was stationed with the United States Air Force. After several years abroad, they returned to Oklahoma City to begin raising their family.

Joan and Jack were blessed with four children. They later divorced in 1975 but maintained a healthy and friendly relationship until Jack's passing in 2003.

For the next 26 years of her life, Mamo was partners with Arthur "Fuzzy" Rahill, until his death in 2003 as well. In many ways, she outlived all the men in her life, carrying forward with strength, humor, and resilience. She also built a long and respected career, retiring in 1994 from the Bank of Oklahoma, where she had worked for 25 years.

She was preceded in death by her son, Joe Mark Allen. She is survived by three children: Kelly Allen; Diane Allen Wilson and her two sons, Spencer Wilson and Kirby Wilson (Kenzie); and Liz Allen McLaughlin (Tim) and their four children, Matthew McLaughlin, Garrett McLaughlin (Regan), Lamar Batista, and Libby McLaughlin.

She also leaves behind the family of her late son Joe: Chelsea Allen Sims (Wes) and their children Olivia and Cal, and Katie Allen Nasr (Dr. Fadi).

Mamo was devoted to her family and could always be counted on as an on-call babysitter and loyal supporter at countless athletic events. She was also an avid bridge player, a voracious reader, and cherished a large circle of friends-most of whom preceded her in death. Her quick wit was always on point, and she filled every gathering with laughter and warmth.

The family is especially grateful to Theresa Allen for her months of loving support and to the Legacy Hospice staff-Emily, Leslie, and Amy-for their devoted care during Mamo's final days.

A come-and-go celebration for family and all friends will take place on Sunday, September 21, from 5:30-8:00 p.m. at the home of Liz and Tim McLaughlin, 6901 NW 164th Street, Edmond, Oklahoma. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice, which Mamo would have truly appreciated.