Dora M Allen

The Life & Legacy of Dora Marie Thompson Allen

Mrs. Dora Marie Thompson Allen was born on July 11, 1922, at Mercer Hospital in Trenton, New Jersey, to the late Thomas Thompson and Annie Laura Roberts Thompson. She was educated in the Trenton Public School system and spent her early years rooted in faith, family, and community.

In 1941, Dora moved to Eggerts Crossing after marrying her beloved husband, the late Sidney Allen, son of the late Reverend Phillip J. Allen, founding Pastor of New Salem Baptist Church in South Trenton. Their union was blessed with two children: Phillip S. Allen (deceased) and Brenda A. Blakeley.

Mrs. Allen began her Christian journey at St. Paul A.M.E. Zion Church when it was located on North Willow Street. After her marriage, she joined New Salem Baptist Church alongside her husband, faithfully serving for 25 years. She later returned to St. Paul A.M.E. Zion Church. At both churches, Mrs. Allen was a devoted member of the Usher Board and Nurses Unit, and she faithfully served in various other ministries, exemplifying her steadfast commitment to her faith.

Mrs. Allen was employed by General Motors for 27 years, working as an Inspector until retiring due to illness. Her dedication to service extended far beyond her professional career. She volunteered for many years at the Boys and Girls Club locations on Pennington Avenue and Centre Street. She also devoted countless hours to Monument School, where in 1985 she was recognized by the school district for contributing over 500 volunteer hours assisting teachers in the classroom. She found joy in teaching children how to bake and guiding them in creative art projects. Additionally, she served as a Girl Scout Troop Leader in Lawrence Township, New Jersey.

Her community involvement continued through her membership in the Order of the Eastern Star, where she proudly held the distinguished title of Worthy Matron. She was also a member of the Ameta Lexine Charity Organization.

Mrs. Allen loved organizing trips to Atlantic City for senior citizens and enjoyed playing BINGO and POKENO with family and friends. She delighted in teaching her grandchildren how to play 21 and ensured they were well acquainted with scratch-off tickets. Her laughter, warmth, and spirited personality brought joy to every gathering.

Sadly, she went home to be with the Lord on February 19, 2026, while finishing her life's journey at Serenity Hospice Care in Hamilton, NJ. In addition to her parents and ex-husband, she was preceded in death by her stepfather Melvin Minnis; her sister Martha Roberts; her brother Thomas Thompson, Sr; her son Phillip S. Allen; her niece Elizabeth Williams; her nephews Paulie, John, Joseph, Payton Roberts and Thomas H. Thompson, Jr.; and her dear friend Ms. Lucille F. Carter.

Left to cherish her precious memory are her devoted daughter who was also her caregiver, Brenda Ann Blakeley; her granddaughter, Councilwoman Crystal Marie Feliciano; her grandson, Phillip Anthony Young; her great-daughter, Giayana Monae Feliciano, whom she helped raise and loved dearly; additional great grandchildren Antique Hicks, Shamira Johnson, Jarret, Breon, Karlee, Brandon, Brooklyn and Marcus Richardson; and a host of great-great-grandchildren. Her niece Annemarie Ames (Sam); great-nieces and nephews Sarah Siegel, Gail Idlett (Keith), Carlton Siegel (Tracy), Verlee Siegel (Claudia), David Siegel; as well as, a host of great-great-nieces and nephews.