Arrangements by Preferred Cremation & Burial. Funeral Services were held on January 19, 2023, at Greater Gospel Center C.O.G.I.C.
Franklin Delenard Allen, Jr. was born on February 7, 1955, to Martha Ann Cunningham and Franklin D. Allen, Sr. Franklin, Jr. was raised by his caring grandmother Lillie M. Cunningham. He attended Central High School and Courtland High School in Courtland, Alabama.
Immediately after graduating high school, Franklin joined the United States Marines. He then went on to attend John C. Calhoun Community College to study Photography in Decatur, Alabama. Later, he was guided to make a career change, and in 1977, he joined the United States Navy. He was stationed in San Diego, California, but relocated to Honolulu, Hawaii, and later moved back to San Diego once discharged. He had a variety of employment experiences, including Janus Corporation, Telespectrum WorldWide, Golden Eagle Insurance, and the San Diego City School District.
Franklin met the love of his life, Cheryl Lavern Green, and on September 23, 1978, they joined together in unity. They became parents to three children: Cleve, Franklin, III, and Candice.
Franklin confessed hope and accepted Christ at an early age at the Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Courtland, Alabama. He began serving as a Sunday School Superintendent beginning at thirteen. In February 1978, he joined Helping Hand Church of God in Christ under the pastorate of Pastor Ozelle Moore. Franklin was listed as a founding member. He was a faithful servant and was the first Sunday School Superintendent and a choir member. His joy was to ensure the sanctuary was “decent and in order!” Deacon Franklin Allen’s greatest accomplishment was his relationship with Christ. He demonstrated that by serving the Lord until his health failed.
Deacon Franklin Allen, Jr. was called to glory and departed peacefully on January 9, 2023, at sixty-seven. He was preceded in death by his mother, Martha Ann Cunningham, grandmother Lillie Mae Cunningham, and grandfather Ilmus Cunningham
Left to cherish his memory are: wife, Cheryl Allen of San Diego; two sons Cleve Allen (Rebecca) of Phoenix, AZ and Franklin Allen, III (Janette) of San Diego; one daughter Candice Allen of Chula Vista, CA; five granddaughters; four grandsons; father Franklin Allen, Sr. (Mary) Town Creek, AL; siblings: Cassandra Allen of Town Creek, AL, Anthony Gill (Eileen) of Mobile, AL and Lawrence Gill (Patrice) of Spring Valley, CA; two aunts; three uncles; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, relatives, friends, and the Helping Hand COGIC family.
