Marjorie Allen

Marjorie Conn Allen was born into this world on December 1, 1921 to Clarence and Lula Conn in Benton, Illinois. She was the second oldest of six children; Cathern Conn Mosley, Mary Conn Massey, Mildred Conn Wood, Thelma Conn Odle, and Tom Conn.

Marjorie was married to Rev. Bill G. Allen who preceded her to heaven in 1989. Marjorie worked to help her husband attend Johnson Bible College.

She loved being a teacher, beginning her teaching career in a one room schoolhouse. After receiving her teaching degree from SIU she taught in Benton for 10 years. She earned her masters degree and then served as school principal for 10 years, retiring early to care for her husband.

She was a member of First Christian Church in Benton and then later First Christian Church in West Frankfort having confessed her faith over 80 years ago. Not having any children of their own did not slow her devotion and love to her nieces, nephews, great and great-great nieces and nephews, and the hundreds of children who she loved to teach. For example, she made 100-150 Christmas stockings for the children at school for many years and after retirement for church groups. Bill and Marjorie started a music scholarship at SIU that continues.

Marjorie had many hobbies including art, pottery, gardening, sewing, and many crafts. She knitted scores of sweaters, giving most away. In her final months she continued her afghan making for the generations in her family and every fourth one for a cancer patient. She devoted herself to serving as the "pastor's wife" in numerous churches and communities, taught Sunday School, and read her Bible completely through every year.

Knowing more about her health condition than anyone close to her, she chose to live as long as she could but without medical intervention. She had had a good life and was more than ready to leave this world and go to Heaven to be with her Heavenly Father. Marjorie lived to be 92 years old and because she was a very special lady she enjoyed the friendship of many people, both young and old. She was the favorite aunt of many nieces and nephews who loved her very much.

Marjorie is survived by her sister-in-law, Peggy Conn, and two brothers-in-law, Paul Mosley and Herbert Odle. She is also survived by her nephew, Steve Mosley, who came to help in Uncle Bill's last stage of life and continued to care for Marjorie for the next 25 years, allowing her to maintain her homestead (where she has lived for 89 years) and live the good full life she loved, helping others.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, February 21st at the First Christian Church in West Frankfort with Pastor Jason Ishmael officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic & Oddfellows Cemetery in Benton. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Church and from 1 to 2 p.m. Friday at the Church.

Memorials may be made to First Christian Church in West Frankfort or to the Benton-West City Ministerial Alliance/Food Pantry & Clothing.

Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton is in charge of arrangements.