Deacon Bennie Lee Allen

Deacon Bennie Lee Allen was born December 22, 1924 in Lauderdale County in Florence, Alabama. He was the fifth of ten children born to Willie and Fannie (Roulett) Allen. He transitioned from this earthly life to eternal life on Thursday, April 30, 2015 at the Trevecca Health Care Center.

Bennie served in the United States Army (World War II) in 1942 and the Korean War. He would often testify about his experience of being a prisoner of war for ninety-three days.

Bennie worked for the Metro Board of Education as a custodian for many years and retired on June 30, 1992. He also had his own janitorial service.

He united in Holy Matrimony to Mary Frances (Johnson) Allen on April 8, 1967 by Elder Washington Green. Even though no children were born to this union, he enjoyed children and was always Daddy Bennie to his Godchildren, Grand-daddy Bennie to his God-grandchildren and Uncle Bennie to others. He loved people and never met a stranger.

Bennie joined Ransom Temple on New Year’s Eve in 1949 and was baptized by Reverend Williams. He united with Mt. Sinai P.B. Church in April 1967 under the leadership of Elder Washington Green where he served on the Usher Board until he was ordained as a Deacon in 1969. On February 14, 1988 he joined Ephesians P.B. Church under the pastor-ship of Elder J. Lucious Fitzgerald where he served on the Deacon Board, President of the Brotherhood and Treasurer of the Building Fund.

Bennie also served as Assistant Secretary of the Deacons and Laymen’s Union of Cumberland Association being one of the first officers of this organization. He served as Treasurer for the Deacons and Laymen’s of the Tri-States Convention.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Willie and Fannie; brothers, William, Jody, Larry and Grady; sisters, Emma Lou, Maude, Virgie, and Esther.

He leaves to cherish his memories, a loving wife, Mary Frances Allen; devoted sister, Catherine Williams; nieces, Brenda T., Dalaina, Peggy (Andrew), Dorine (Eddie), Faye, Jimmie Lee, Mary D., Erma (Walter), Joyce, Francine, Valerie, Rochelle, Kim, Evette, Tosha, Cheryl (Tony), Cynthia, Mary M., Tanya, Susan, Lisa and Karen; nephews; G. Dale (Jackie), Charles (Annie), Llewellyn, Charles Jr., Robert Jr., Gregory, Larry Jr. (Carolyn), William, Anthony (Mary), Reginald, Ruben, Monnie, Chazen, and Kevin.

“I looked at life as a gift of God; Now that He wants if back, I have no right to complain.”