Jean Harlowe "Horne" Allen

"When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll; whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, It is well, It is well with my soul."

Jean Harlow Horne Allen was born on June 20th, 1940 to the late Jesse and Mary Horne in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. She lost her parents six months apart while in High School but never lost her drive and passion for education and creating a beautiful life for herself. Jean completed her initial education in the Rocky Mount School System, graduating with honors and receiving an academic scholarship to pursue an undergraduate degree from Shaw University. Years later she enrolled in graduate courses at NYU, Columbia University, Monmouth College and received a Masters degree in Education from Montclair University. She began teaching in Richmond VA, and later Washington DE, and Bowie MD.

In 1962, Jean met the love of her life Charles Allen on a visit to Howard University. The two married on March 11,1963, in Rockhill MD and were married for 34 extraordinary years. On March 13th,1966 Jean and Charles affectionately called Chuck, were blessed to welcome into this world twins Kevin and Kathryn Allen. Eventually the family laid down roots in South Orange NJ. Jean began teaching in Livingston NJ where she became an outstanding innovative educator, mentor and staff developer for 40 years pouring her heart and soul into the lives of children, teachers and the community in which she lived. She was an active member of the NEA, NJEA, and the NAACP. While raising her family, Jean was an accomplished singer who performed with the NJ Opera throughout the state. A highlight of this passion was performing with the Duke Ellington Band at Carnegie Hall. She also assisted CBS in producing a video The best of Romper Room. Jean passed on her love of the arts to her children as they too sang in church choirs and performed in school musicals and dance recitals.

Jean's love of education and the arts never ended. Upon retirement, Jean and Chuck returned to Elizabeth City NC where she implemented a family literacy program in Gates County. She also worked part time as an AIG teacher for Camden County, served on the advisory board for Albemarle Commission, was a Tarheel Delegate for Pasquotank County, and president of the senior club. Jean sang with the Evelyn Johnson group and later volunteered for the Albemarle Dispute Settlement Center in Camden, the Red Cross, and the Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIP). She continued to mentor teachers while conducting a multitude of Professional development workshops.

Throughout her lifetime, Jean garnered several awards, acknowledgements and accolades. Among these, she was most proud of authoring several teacher manuscripts and booklets. However, if you asked Jean what her greatest accomplishment was, she would tell you the role of Wife, Mother, Grandmother, and Great-Grandmother brought her the most joy. Her eyes would light up watching her granddaughter Kayla dance on stage and watching her grandson Tre become a Dad warmed her soul. As a mother, one's greatest joy is knowing your children will be loved the way they were loved. She found this joy in watching her son-in love Frankie protect, support and love Kathie. Her secret prayers were that they would experience the same type of love that she had with Chuck, and they do!

Jean was the epitome of Grace and sophistication. She welcomed all into her home and loved those who stepped through her door as if they were her own. She never forgot a birthday and would hold onto her handwritten cards until she had a chance to see you! Jean loved the Lord from an early age and continued her journey by joining the Kingdom Hall knowing that The Almighty was the strength of her life.

In the late evening on August 13th, while holding her daughter Kathryn's hand, the lord whispered into Jean's ear; my sweet and precious child you have completed your assignment which was to give others a love of education and the arts. Your handcrafted crown of jewels and sophisticated chic robe is ready, It is time for you to rest in my arms and you shall labor no more!

Jean is predeceased by her parents Mary & Jesse Horne and husband Charles Allen. She leaves to cherish her memory, children Kevin R. Allen & Kathryn R. Allen; Smith. Son in law Franklin L Smith Jr., grandchildren Franklin L Smith III (Tre), Kayla Jean Smith and great granddaughter Jaire' Smith, Special Bonus daughter Lynn Irby Hill, and a host of nieces, nephews and special friends.

Goodbyes are not forever, Goodbyes are not the end, They simply mean I'll miss you, Until we meet again.

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A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, August 30, 2025, 11:00 a.m. at Beach Funeral Home Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Jean's favorite charity: Hospice Care Charity, Inc., Post Office Box 1928, Lexington, South Carolina 29071