Mildred Geraldine Allen

Mildred Geraldine Allen, 96, of Louisville, and formerly of Makanda, died at 9:41 p.m. Monday, Aug. 1, 2016, at her home, surrounded by her daughters.

She was born on May 12, 1920, in Makanda, the daughter of Jess and Lucinda Brasel Toler.

She married Melvin Edward Allen on Oct. 2, 1937, in Benton, Mo. He preceded her in death on May 24, 2004.

She is survived by her eight children, Jack Edward Allen of Makanda, Floyd Ray (Janet) Allen of Makanda, Patricia Ann (Robert) Hansen of Lindenhurst, Sharon (Robert) Ray of Thompsonville, James Melvin (Kathy) Allen of Johnston City, John Wayne (Rhonda) Allen of Guyton, Ga., Brenda Geraldine (Dave) Hartwick of Mattoon and Linda Kay Childers-Sargent of Louisville; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and greatgreat-grandchildren; other relatives and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Melvin Edward Allen; two daughters, Shirley Mae Allen and Melba Jean Carlton-Heiman; one son, Robert Lee Allen; two sisters, Jessie Mahr and Mary Toler; and two brothers, Lawrence and Paul Toler.

She was a cook at Giant City Lodge for many years. She was an avid songwriter and gardener. She loved to travel in the United States and abroad. She had a great faith in God and was an inspiration to many people.

Her family said she was a warrior, fighting a battle with congestive heart failure and A-fib for the last six years.

Funeral services for Mrs. Allen were at 11 a.m. at Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Jonesboro on Friday, Aug. 5, with the Rev. Bon Reynolds, the Rev. Richard Reynolds and the Rev. Jimmy Reynolds officiating. Interment was in the Rowan Cemetery in Makanda.

Memorials can be made to Clay County Hospice.

To leave online condolences for the family, visit www.rendlemanhilemanfh.com.

Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Jonesboro was in charge of arrangements.