Norma Jean Allen

Norma Jean Leonard was born in Huntington, W. VA. to Julia Antoinette White and Samuel Lee Leonard on November 17, 1935. Norma was the oldest of 4 siblings, Samuel Lee Leonard, Jr. (deceased), Calvin Louis Leonard of Elkton, Florida, and John Burniss Starnes (whereabouts unknown). Norma is preceded in death by her parents, Julia and Samuel Leonard, her husband, Martin T. Allen, her son, Terry Lamar Allen, Sr., her grandsons, Terry Lamar Jr., LaVaughn Allen, and Jeffrey Niece, Amanda Lynn Leonard-Towns.

Norma was joined in marriage to Martin Thomas Allen at the early age of 17 in Columbus, Ohio, in 1953, and had five children: Marcia Anne, Terry Lamar (deceased), Vanessa Lee, Learlie Kay, and Stephanie Jean.

Norma was a dedicated HR Professional for F & R Lazarus Federated Department Stores for many years. She joined her loving husband in retirement at the young age of 55.

Norma was very active at her church, having served as Chairperson for Pastors’ Installations and Anniversaries, Chairperson of Women’s Day, President of Senior Choir, and later, the Mass Choirs. She also served as President of the Amicae, an auxiliary of Zeta Phi Beta, Inc. of Columbus, Ohio. She also received the Amica of the Year Award. She volunteered for the Board of Elections and served for several years as a presiding Judge. She also volunteered at Villa Angela Nursing Home and established and administered the Food Pantry at the Travelers Rest Baptist Church.

She leaves to mourn her passing: her beautiful children, Marcia Anne (Gary I) Wilson of Columbus, Ohio, Vanessa (Tracy) Hopkins of Columbus, Ohio, Learlie Kay Dalton of Hanover, MD, and Stephanie Jean (Brian) Davis of Tampa, FL. Twelve grandchildren, Gary II and Telly Allen Wilson, Joi Gibbs, Donnie Dalton Jr., Tamara Allen, Brian and Keith Davis, Deon Dalton, Tiffany Hairston, Dwan Dalton Sr., Martin and Christopher Hopkins. Twenty-one great-grandchildren: Tyler and Tori Wilson-Hopkins, Termir Allen-Mosley, Reyanna and Reigna Hairston, Raphael Woody, Reagan and Reginald Hairston Jr., Donnie Dalton III (Tre), Dylan Dalton, Parker Hopkins, Dakota Dalton, Aubree Hopkins, Martin (Myles) Hopkins Jr., Devin Dalton, Donald Dalton, Dwan Dalton Jr. (Deuce), Rezzon Hairston, Ellie Hopkins, Dawn Dalton, and Christopher James Hopkins. One great-great grandchild, Lailah Luben. She also leaves her brother, Calvin (Sharon) Leonard, Sister-In-Law, Patsy (Othello) Berry, Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, and Special Friends Deanna Pruitt, Robbie Perkins-Gardner, Shirley Chapman, and her church family, Travelers’ Rest Missionary Baptist Church and a host of other friends especially the Blessed Women of the Southend of Columbus.

Norma loved meeting people, and her Husband was so dearly loved. She always knew her children were her greatest accomplishment in life!!! Peace and Love to all of you.

Love,

Mom, Mommy, Ma, Grandma, and Nonny. “All names I cherished”.