JoDeal Allen

JoDeal "Jo" Allen, age 79, passed away on May 5th, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. Jo was born on August 3rd, 1943 in Hartford, Kentucky to Cordelia Eggen Mansfield and Joe Billy Mansfield. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Jo was a devoted mother of three, grandmother of nine, and great-grandmother of three. She spent most of her life in Henderson and Lexington, Kentucky. She loved cheering for the Ky Wildcats and singing "My Old Kentucky Home" before the Kentucky Derby.
Jo moved to Georgia in 1962, where she started her family. She was an involved mother, spending much of her time volunteering for her children's school and extracurricular activities. In 1980, she decided to pursue a career as a registered nurse, showing her compassion for others while caring for patients at DeKalb Medical Center, Ridgeview Hospital, and Summit Ridge.

JoJo, as known by her grandchildren, enjoyed playing tennis, painting, crocheting and line dancing in her free time. She was a fan of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets and the Dallas Cowboys and performed in the 1994 Super Bowl halftime show. Jo loved being with her family & friends, especially at the annual family sing-along every Christmas season, and maintained a witty sense of humor that continued until her last days.

Jo is survived by her children: Lark Allen Morgan (Bernie), Jody Allen Zakas (Peter), and Ermal Kendall Allen (Jenn); siblings: Gail Mansfield Toye (John), Laura Mansfield Franklin (Terry), Charlie Bill Mansfield (Phyllis), and Sally Greer Porter (cousin); grandchildren: Jonathan Morgan (Blair), Kailey Nawyn (Eric), Drew Morgan, Alayna DeReimer (Mike), Allen JoJo Morgan, Bryson Yong (Kaitlyn), Erin Allen, Kenny Allen, Anna Deal Allen, and Shelley Jo Albertson (Blake); and great-grandchildren: Weston, Ella, and Noah Morgan.

Jo worshiped at Oak Grove Methodist and Shallowford Presbyterian. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 AM on May 18th, 2023 at Shallowford Presbyterian Church located at 2375 Shallowford Road, NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30345. Burial will be at Floral Hills Memory Gardens.

Jo's family is grateful for the care she received the last few years at AG Rhodes. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be mailed to AG Rhodes/Wesley Woods on 1819 Clifton Rd Atlanta 30329 or agrhodes.org