Anita McClure Allen

Anita McClure Allen, age 90, of Columbia, TN, passed away October 11, 2025. Having enjoyed a lifetime of good health, she was suddenly diagnosed with cancer only one month after her 90th birthday.

Anita is survived by a daughter, Sharon Cash and her husband Barry and a daughter-in-law Lisa Allen; her grandchildren Jennifer and Ben Gutsch, Sarah Crowell and her husband Adam, and Susan White and her husband Chevy; her great grandchildren Megan, Addison, Brilee, Jack and Ryan; and two sisters Lavonne Berry and her husband Jerry, and Phyllis Ford and her husband Jim.

She is preceded in death by her husband James, her son Stanley, her parents Jeff and Nellie McClure, and two siblings Leon and Glenda.

Anita was born in Paragould, AR, in 1935. She graduated from Paragould High School and Freed Hardeman College in Henderson, TN, where she met her husband, James. After college she moved to Memphis, TN, to pursue secretarial work, which was her employment in many places and times throughout her life. She was an excellent cook and an excellent seamstress. Her interest in travel led her to many foreign countries and to do mission work in Guyana, South America and in Canada. Her greatest joy and fulfillment in life, however, came from her involvement with her family and her church at Maury Hills.

She was married to James for 64 years. Their life together in the ministry of the Church of Christ led them to congregations in TN, AL, NC, and NM. After 31 years of ministry, they purchased the Christian Supply Store in Albuquerque, NM. They operated this store for 13 years before retiring to Columbia, TN.

Anita was a beautiful person inside and out. She was kind, generous, and helpful to anyone and everyone. She was always there for us as a mother, a sister, a grandma, a great grandma, and a friend. We all loved her so much! How we will all miss her! Precious memories of her are many and are certain to remain in our hearts forever.

Visitation will be held at Williams Funeral Home in Columbia on Thursday, October 16th, from 10:00am to 12:00pm, with a celebration of life following at 12:00 p.m.  Jerry Berry will be speaking.  She will be laid to rest at Polk Memorial Gardens following the service.

Williams Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences can be given to the family at williamsfh.com