Verda Mae Allen
September 2, 1928 ~ February 26, 2022
Mrs. Verda Mae Gilstrap was born to the parentage of Herman Gilstrap and Ida Oakry Gilstrap on September 2, 1928. She grew up in a loving home in the New Jerusalem Community with one brother, James Montice Gilstrap and one sister, Mary Joyce Gilstrap Brannon. Verda was the eldest of her siblings. She joined New Jerusalem Baptist Church at a young age. Whether she was near or far, she supported her church home. Verda attended and graduated from Bruce High School in Gilmer, Texas. She continued her education at Bishop College in Marshall, Texas where she received her degree in education. She pursued her educational process by obtaining a teaching career in Portland, Oregon where she taught for 37 years; afterwards retiring. She thoroughly enjoyed teaching, being an administrative designee with students from all ethnicities and cultures. She married her husband, Jack F. Allen in 1949; to this union one daughter was born, Phyllis Allen Thomas.
Items commended in her life in Texas: Mother of New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church, Sunday School Teacher, when needed and Sunday School Secretary for the North East District Board #3.
Mrs. Allen was an advocate for the sorority, Theta Nu Alpha.
She taught for many years at her home church at Vancover Baptist Church in Portland, Oregon, serving in many positions at the church.
Mrs Allen was an educational representative for the state of Oregon. She traveled to many different countries at every opportunity. She would discuss the importance of education and was a true loving family member. She had the pleasure of traveling to Russia, China, Italy and Canada. She enjoyed the diversity she experienced in each country. She cherishes all of her family and friends.
Verda Mae Allen leaves to cherish her memories: her daughter and son-in-law, Tyrone and Phyllis Allen-Thomas of Azusa, California and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and surrogate grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Services for Ms. Verda Mae Allen will be 1:00 p.m. Saturday, March 12, 2022 at New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church in Daingerfield. Burial will follow at Daingerfield Cemetery under the direction of Reeder-Davis Funeral Home in Hughes Springs. She passed away February 26, 2022. Family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. Friday evening at the funeral home.
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Ms Verda played a big roll in my growing up in the 60s and 70s. My Sunday school teacher a dear friend and play sister to my mother and father John and Rodessa Mitchell. You’ll always be in my heart
Mrs. Vert was truly a wonderful soul. She was like a grandmother to all of us at new Jerusalem Baptist church. She will truly be missed.
We met when I was only single digits and at that young age, I knew that she was special. Though she was actually my 2nd cousin, I called her Aunt Vert. Whenever we would talk the time would seem to just fly by. Ironically, she nicknamed me ‘Motor Mouf’ which was confusing to me because she wasn’t short on words and would always do her fair share of each inspired conversation. I appreciate and will always cherish those precious moments spent both on the phone and in person at the place we know as down home. I Love you Verda Mae and will keep you in my heart eternally.
Efrem.
I met Mrs. Vert
Through my niece Keys ha I loved talking with her she was such a lovely lady.In talking with her I learned that she knee me indirectly by day of
The lady that raised me through my early years of life which gave me great comfort. I loved to talk and as did she. I always marveled at her age of the clarity she had when speaking to you about anything.Mrs. Vert
Was a sweet soul and will truly be missed by all who new hereTo her Daughter and Son inlaw please except my condolences for your loss. Even in your loss God is still Good