Cecilia M Allen

Mrs. Cecelia M. Allen, 95, of 5006 Willing Ct, Indian Land, SC, peacefully entered Eternal Rest on May 31, 2024, at her home, surrounded by her loving family. She was born Cecelia M. Spencer on February 6, 1929, in Gladstone (Nelson), VA, to the late Alexander and Elnora Kidd Spencer.

At the age of eight, Cecelia moved with her family from Virginia to Pittsburgh, PA, and then to North Versailles, PA (Christus Terrace). She was the eldest of nine children and left school at an early age to help care for her siblings.

As a young adult, Cecelia moved to Braddock, PA, and joined Willow Way Baptist Church, where she sang in the choir. On November 2, 1962, Cecelia married George Allen Jr.

Cecelia worked at Columbia Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA, before being hired at Montefiore Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA, in 1966. Over 25 years, Cecelia worked her way up to Head Supervisor of the hospital cafeteria. Her meticulous work was admired by the hospital administration, who entrusted her with supervising all special events attended by top executives. Cecelia retired from Montefiore Hospital in 1991.

After the loss of her husband George Allen, she moved to Clinton, MD, in 2001 with her daughter Diane. Cecelia rededicated her life to Jesus Christ and became a member of From the Heart Church Ministries in Temple Hills, MD. Later, Cecelia, her daughter, and her son-in-law relocated to Indian Land, SC, and joined From the Heart Church Ministries of Charlotte, NC.

Known for her quiet strength, Cecelia was a breast cancer survivor and a pillar of strength for her family. She loved solving word search puzzles, cooking homemade rolls and potato salad, hosting cookouts, sitting on the back patio listening to gospel music, and playing the card game Phase 10 with her great-granddaughter Nya. She cherished her family, remembering all their birthdates and phone numbers, and enjoyed attending church with her daughter and son-in-law.

Cecelia was preceded in death by her husband, George Allen; her daughters, Irene Anderson and Helen M. Jackson; her brothers, Harry Spencer, Alfred Spencer, Thomas Spencer, and Alexander Spencer; her sister, Annabella Hill; and her grandson, Anthony Spencer.

Left to cherish her precious memory are her children: Robert Spencer, John Ballard (Donna), and Diane S. Harrison (William); her sisters: Florence Spencer, Gertrude McGuire (Johnny), and Augusta William (Arnold); her grandchildren: Richard Spen-cer, Nathanial Gray, Darryl Jackson (Melissa), Monica Hughes (Scott), John Ballard Jr., Erika Hinson, James Jackson, Damien Ballard, and Shamira Foddrell (Daniel); her great-grandchildren: Jordan Mack, Aliva Mack, Nya Spencer, Dylan Spencer, Shyann Haten, Brianna Jackson, Mariah Jackson, Dasha’ Jackson, Darryl Jackson II, JaJuan Jackson, Jamier Jackson, Jamie Jackson, Jelani Jackson, Jahlil Jackson, Jabar Jackson, Akria Ballard, Lilly Ballard, Tron Ballard, Khimar Ballard, John Ballard III, Cheyenne Ballard, Raver Ballard, Makayiah Ballard, Alayna Ballard, JeVawn Ballard, Brayeen Ballard, Honor Foddrell, Hailee Foddrell, and Daniel Foddrell Jr.; her great-great-grandchild Kobe Spencer-Ware, and a host of other great-great-grandchildren.

Cecelia also leaves behind her extended family: Stephanie Smith (Robert), Sheila Brownlee, Frankie Brownlee (Stacy), Dana Yates (Bruce), Steveland Harris (Princess), Robert Smith (Nikesha), and a host of other family and friends.