Barbara Allen

Barbara Ann Allen, 92, passed away Thursday, September 18, 2025 in Gatesville, TX.

She was born on October 9, 1932 near Structure, TX to Oddie Lee Jones and Lexia Ella Ritchey. Barbara was born in the home of her paternal grandmother, Lula Bell King Jones. Lula Bell's husband, Lee Hazel Jones, had recently been killed and Lula Bell was having a difficult time. After the birth of Barbara, Lula Bell had to help Lexia Jones who was weak from childbirth. Lula Bell said it helped her to get up and get busy with life again.

They eventually moved to Taylor where Barbara attended school and graduated from Taylor High School, The Fighting Ducks, in 1950. During her high school years, she was a member of the Latin Club - Los Vecinos, the Theta Sigma Chi, the Senior Choir and Symphonettes and the Green Jackets.

After graduation, Barbara attended University of Texas Medical School as a nursing student.

In February of 1958, she married Hollis Eugene Allen, Sr. and enjoyed raising her children and being a homemaker. Barbara devoted her life and energy to her son Lynne Allen who had severe cerebral palsy. In all of his 33 years of his life, he never had one bed sore even though he had been bedridden all of his life. Her family was her pride and joy.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband Hollis Eugene Allen, Sr.; son Lynne Shannon Allen; and daughter Lisa Arline Duncan.

Survivors include her sons William Allen & wife Karen and Hollis Allen, Jr.; daughter Laurel Berryhill & husband Mike; sisters Shirley Jones Walker and Peggy Jones Cmerek; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Barbara was loved by everyone who knew her and will be greatly missed.