Thelma Allen was born on November 2, 1922. She was the proud daughter of Minister Floyd Allen and Rosa Phillips Allen. Her family migrated from Atlanta, Georgia to Ohio when she was just a baby. Thelma’s mother passed during her teen years and her father became her hero.
Her formal education began in Akron Public Schools, graduating from West High School. She then attended West Virginia State University, a historical Black College, where she received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology.
Thelma’s career began with the Akron Public Schools as a teacher. She remained in this position for forty- four years. She taught First grade at Bryan and Rankin Schools. Thelma loved teaching and became known as an excellent Reading Specialist. She was known for all the little figures that she could draw to help students remember the sounds of letters. She was truly dedicated to helping our struggling students from marginalized areas to acquire necessary reading skills. Her love for children and teaching flowed over into Children’s Home where she worked as a tutor for several years. She received the “Martha Holden Jennings Scholar for Excellence Award”. Recently the Women’s Ministry of Mount Calvary Baptist Church recognized Thelma as a “Genuine Empowered Masterpiece” and captured her on video.
Thelma was a very independent thinking woman. She was initiated into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority through Beta Beta chapter in 1949 and helped to establish Zeta Theta Omega Chapter. She loved being involved in community affairs, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority projects and being around people. She received two outstanding Graduate Awards while overseeing undergraduates at Akron University and Kent State. That was no easy task. She was a pioneer in that she owned and opened a Laundry Mat on Copley Road operating it by herself.
She was a devoted follower of fashion and sleek designs that press all the fashionista buttons. She didn’t wear diamonds only gemstones. She loved to travel. Her most cherished and memorable trip was to the Holy Land.
Thelma loved GOD and became a follower at a very early age. She could and did state many Bible verses at age 99. She prayed daily and constantly thanked God for preserving her mind. Her favorite and daily sayings were, “I’m blessed by the Best,” “Do Good, so that your sheep will be blessed,” “As you approach the day put on your coat of armor,” and “To God be the glory.”
Although during her illness. Thelma often stated that her one regret was not marrying, she thanked God for her beautiful life.
Thelma was preceded in death by both parents, Floyd Allen and Rosa Phillips Allen; and brother, Paul.
She is survived by cousin, Aleen Burks in Atlanta; goddaughter, Bianca Hicks; two caregivers, Aria Campbell, and Joyce Rowland; a host of cousins, one hundred eighty sorority sisters, and many friends.