Anne Evonia Smith Allen

Anne Evonia (Smith) Allen was born June 19, 1930, in Atlanta, GA to the late Coleman and Lucille (Aldridge) Smith.
She is preceded in death by her older brother Deacon Bennie C. Smith.
Anne was known to her family as Mom, Momma, Grandma, Auntie and Nana.
After the passing of her mother at the tender age of 2, she spent her childhood years growing up in Hartford, CT and Bayonne, NJ, with her Aunts and Cousins.
Upon graduating from Bayonne High School in 1947, she went right into the work force, and obtained a job in New York as a Secretary at American Express.
During her lunch break in the Spring of 1950, Anne went to Horn and Hardart Automat Restaurant, where she met John Allen. He had just started working there after being honorably discharged from the Army. It was love at first sight.
Their romance blossomed into marriage on August 2, 1952. From their union, two children were born, Terence and Lisa.
In 1959, Anne became gainfully employed at the renowned Bellevue Hospital. She took many classes during her first couple of years there, and earned her way up to become a Micro-Biologist in Pathology (also known as The AFB Lab) until she retired 32½ years later in November of 1992.
Two years after her retirement, she took on the new position of baby sitting her newest and youngest Granddaughter Clarese. She loved taking her to and from school and after-school activities. That became her favorite job.
After her husband’s passing in 2005, Anne started traveling, and was always on the go with her best friend Gwen, taking cruises and bus trips to see the world.
She was a devoted member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, until 2014 when she moved with her children to Florida.
Anne had a long time enjoyment of doing Crossword, Sudoko, Word Search puzzles, playing Bid Whist card games, game shows, coffee and “anything chocolate”.
She always had a smile on her face, a kind and gentle spirit, a positive outlook on everything, and something funny and sassy for everyone she spoke with. She was a true gem and a joy to be around.
In 2010, the unfortunate onset of Alzheimers slowly began. In the years to follow, Anne was cared for by her children, grandchildren, her nieces and their families. And in spite of Dementia, she never forgot how to love her family.
On January 28, 2020, at the age of 89, the Sun peacefully set for her at her residence at Greenville Glen Assisted Living, in South Carolina, where she had been living nearby to family.
Left to cherish many fond memories are: Her son Terry and his wife Ann and family (it’s befitting that the love of his life would also be named Ann); daughter Lisa Grant and husband Gregory - her buddy who she got in a lot of trouble with.
Three (3) Grandchildren: Michelle Allen-Lies (and family), Richard Allen (and family), Clarese Grant, and one (1) Great-Granddaughter Ashley Allen.
Also cherishing her memories are 6 Nieces, over 30 great/grand nieces and nephews; friends Gwendolyn Johnson and children Gerald and Patricia, Ada Coxon, her favorite cousins Willie Golphin, Merilyn Graves and a host of other family and friends alike.
Anne will be deeply missed.