Annie Ruth Allen

It was the cool of the early morning on August 13, 1931 in Gibsland, Louisiana that a baby girl was born. She was the third of twelve children born to the union of Leonard and Catherine Scott-Pearson. They named her Annie Ruth. Annie Ruth accepted Jesus Christ into her life and was baptized at the Riverside Baptist Church in Gibsland. She received her formal education from Coleman High School in Arcadia, Louisiana. A short time later, her mother was approached by a family friend seeking the help of Annie Ruth for a job that would take her to San Diego, California. There, she caught the eye of a young Edward Charles Allen. After courting for only six months, on February 19, 1956, the two united in Holy Matrimony and to this union the Lord blessed them with four beautiful children. On February 19, 2006, after fifty years of marriage, Edward and Annie Ruth renewed their vows in a wedding ceremony. Side by side, Annie and her husband, Edward, served faithfully at Greater Trinity Missionary Baptist Church and were very active members for over sixty years until their health started failing. Annie Ruth was a member of the Senior Choir, Junior Mission, Senior Mission, Matrons and the Ministers’ Wives Auxiliary. Hard working and dedicated, Annie Ruth worked full time as a Linen Inventory and Press Operations Manager for Alsco Linen Supply and Service Company for over thirty-five years. Annie Ruth was also a member of the National Council for Negro Women (NCNW), where she was able to further devote an effort to help build a stronger black America, both locally and nationally. In May 1998, she was an honoree for “Mother of the Year” sponsored by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. During her tenure with the NCNW, she served as Parliamentarian and later as Chaplain. Annie Ruth loved to travel and experienced some of the most beautiful places in the world. Some of her favorite travels included Europe, Hawaii, the Caribbean and also her hometown Arcadia, Louisiana. On Thursday, April 14, 2016, God called Annie Ruth Allen home to Glory. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Edward Allen; her son, Marvin Allen; two brothers, Blenard and Bobby Pearson and four sisters, Ruby Herbert, Annie Oliver, Bertha Pearson and LaVerne Pearson. Annie Ruth Allen will be greatly missed. She leaves to cherish her memory her children, Donald Allen (Marissa) of Holtville, California; Sandra Allen of Chatsworth, California, and Cheryl Allen of Sacramento, California; three sisters, Lennie Jean Foster (Edward) and Casceal Moore both of Dallas, Texas and Pearl Pearson of Arcadia, Louisiana; three brothers; Rudolph and Albert Pearson both of Dallas, Texas and Willie Arthur Pearson of Arcadia, Louisiana. Her legacy extends and carries on through the lives of nine grandchildren, Jonnea Allen, Marcia Thomas (Tremell), Nikol Davis, Deric Davis, Antonia Craig, Bernadette Craig, Omani Kirkendall, Danyelle Allen and Cydney Allen; along with five great-grandchildren, Amarri Johnson, Jordan Allen, Tamia Thomas, Olivia Thomas and Kendall Davis and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins other relatives and friends that will mourn her passing, yet celebrate her life. Services were held Wednesday, April 27, 2016 at Greater Trinity Baptist Church; interment at Glen Abbey Memorial Park.  Final arrangements were entrusted to Anderson-Ragsdale Mortuary.