Marilyn Jean Allen

Marilyn Jean McCluggage Allen, 86, of Searcy, passed away from this life on April 17, 2015, at the Oakdale Nursing Facility. She was the devoted wife of Jimmy R. Allen for 63 years and the beloved mother of Cindy Payne (Jeff) of Garland, Texas, Jimmy H. Allen (Anita) of Providence Rhode Island and Mike Allen (Cheryl) of Vienna, Virginia. She is also survived by two sisters; Marciele Hicks of Wichita, Kansas and Madge Lewis of Searcy. She also leaves behind seven "Mimi-loving" grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents and three brothers.
Marilyn was born in Wichita, Kansas. She grew up on a farm in Rose Hill, Kansas, where she graduated from high school as the Valedictorian. Marilyn received her Elementary Education Degree from Harding College in 1950 and was named Petit Jean Queen of the school in 1949.
After her college graduation, Marilyn taught in elementary schools for four years prior to starting a family. In 1987, she was awarded the Harding University Distinguished Alumnus Award. She loved being a member of the Ladies' Bible Class and enjoyed the activities of the Red Hat Society. Beyond her family, her lasting legacy and delight was the large number of children she taught in multiple Bible classes at the College Church of Christ for approximately 50 years. Generations of children have grown up knowing about the Judges of Israel, the 12 Apostles and much more because of her memorable lessons and gentle teaching style.
Visitation will be 6-8 P.M. on Saturday, April 18, 2015, at the College Church of Christ. Funeral Services will be 2 P.M, Sunday, April 19, 2015, at the College Church of Christ.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Marilyn's memory can be sent to the "Jimmy and Marilyn Allen Bible Scholarships" at Harding University, HU Box 12238, Searcy, Arkansas 72149.