Shirley Allen

Shirley Alyce Strickland Allen July 10, 1929-January 5, 2021 Birmingham, Alabama resident of St. Martins in the Pines since February 4, 2011, Shirley Alyce Strickland Allen, age 91, died of complications from COVID-19 on January 5, 2021. Born in Albany, Georgia, Mrs. Allen moved to Fairhope, Alabama April 15, 1938. She attended Fairhope High School where she was a cheerleader for her future husband and then football player, Leslie Elliott Allen. She went on to graduate from Stratford College in Danville, Virginia. Upon graduation from Stratford, she moved back to Fairhope and then married her high school sweetheart, Leslie Allen on June 6, 1952 at Fairhope United Methodist Church. They had two children, Alyce Allen Lucius and Paul Elliott Allen before moving to Hattiesburg, Mississippi in 1973. Her life was dedicated to the well-being of her family. She took great pleasure in spending time with them and caring for them. She enjoyed both recreational tennis and golf. Mrs. Allen also loved working crossword puzzles in ink, and playing card games like bridge. She and Mr. Allen left a legacy of playing Onze as a family. While at St. Martins Assisted Living, Mrs. Allen was on their Wii bowling team for several years. During her time on the team, they brought home many 1st place trophies. Although an almost lifelong member of the Fairhope United Methodist Church, she found great comfort in the chapel services at St. Martins, and visits from the visitation ministry of the Cathedral Church of the Advent. Mrs. Allen was predeceased by her beloved husband of more than 60 years, Leslie Elliot Allen, brother, Paul Dawson Strickland, Jr., parents, Paul Dawson Strickland of Danville, VA, Mary Alyce Jernigan Strickland Council and step-father, R.J. Council of Fairhope, AL, and grandparents Alyce Estelle and Walter Baker Jernigan of Pollard, AL. Survivors include children; Alyce Allen Lucius of Hattiesburg, MS, Paul Elliott Allen (Elizabeth) of Mountain Brook, AL; and grandchildren; William Thomas Lucius III of Hattiesburg, MS, Matthew Baker Allen (Lydia) of Montgomery, AL, Catherine Elizabeth Allen of Charlotte, NC, and Margaret Elise Allen of Mountain Brook, AL. A private family graveside service will be held at Montrose Cemetery in Montrose, AL January 7, 2021. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to Fairhope United Methodist Church, Alzheimer’s research or a charity of your choice.