Marvin Arthur Allen

Marvin Arthur Allen, Sr. was born to the late Bessie Elizabeth Lyons-Johnson and James Allen on June 10, 1935 in Brooklyn, NY he is one of 18 children. He was educated in the Public School System in Brooklyn, NY. Mr. Allen was an accomplished professional painter for the Philadelphia Shipyard and Pennsylvania Hospital. Marvin then followed his dreams to become an entrepreneur as a professional painter in the residential sector.

Marvin enjoyed serving others as a witness for the Kingdom Hall. He was an overseer for new construction projects for the Kingdom Hall. During his 37 years of service for the Kingdom Hall Brother Allen was well recognized amongst his peers within the Kingdom Hall. He enjoyed traveling worldwide and has traveled as far as Hawaii, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Bermuda in service of the Kingdom.  He had a love of gardening and enjoyed planting fruits and vegetables.  After retirement, Marvin spent a lot of time traveling between, Florida, Seattle and Georgia visiting his children and family. He found the most joy when it came to visit his children and grandchildren in Florida and would try to visit at least once or twice a year. The children would always tease him and tell him that there is a “Tribe of Marvin Allen” there.

Marvin was preceded in death by his parents, Bessie Elizabeth Lyons-Johnson and James Allen; brothers, Carl Allen, Robert “Bobby” Allen, James Allen, Floyd Allen, Herbert Allen and his twin brother, Orlando “Lanny” Allen; and sisters; Viola Young, Harriet Johnson and Yvonne Stubbs.

Marvin is survived by his wife, Theola Vann-Allen (there were no children in this union). Left to cherish his memory are his children, Michael Alexander-Allen, Marva Allen-Lawton (Jackie), David Allen (Dayana), Tara Allen-Walden (deceased), Sonya Allen-Newsome (Stephen) and Marvin Allen, Jr. (Tomeica) from his first wife, Barbara Dowling; brother, William Johnson; sisters, Martha Lyons, Virginia Alston, Hazel Chapman, Elizabeth Hogan, Paula McCallum and Joan Gazis; 29 grandchildren; 48 great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.

Sarah L. Carter's Funeral Home Northside is serving the family. 

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