Barbara Allen

THE LIFE & LEGAGY 

Barbara Jean Allen-beloved daughter, mother, grandmother, wife, and friend -redeemed her born-again ticket just before 11:00 am. on Sunday, March 15, 2026, after a season of illness and travail. She passed from this physical world, leaving loved ones behind for a time, and was born into eternity, meeting her Savior Jesus, her mother and daughter, other loved ones and friends who preceded her, and the great cloud of witnesses referenced in Hebrews 12:1 and Hebrews 11.

Barbara was born on April 25, 1945. She often spoke of being an only child and was deeply grateful for the life she was given, having survived a number of miscarriages her parents, Albert and Sarah Dowe, endured. Born in Laurel, Mississippi where her mother traveled from Cleveland to be with her sisters - Barbara entered the world after much travail, setting a record at over 10 pounds. 

She received her born-again ticket early, accepting Christ as her Savior as a young child and being baptized at Bethany Baptist Church in Cleveland. 

Throughout her journey, Barbara experienced and witnessed much pain, which God used to shape a heart of compassion for the mistreated, sick, hurting, and lowly regarded. As a teenager, she was hospitalized for nine months at Sunny Acres Hospital - an experience she often described as one of the most difficult of her life. The indifference and cruelty she observed there deeply impacted her, inspiring her to live out Christ's love in how she treated others. She taught her family the golden rule: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" (Matthew 7:12). 

Barbara attended East Tech High School and later earned her associate degree from Cuyahoga Community College while working with the Cleveland Board of Education as a Teacher Assistant beginning around 1971 She became a reading specialist, helping elementary-aged children with early learning challenges. Gifted in arts and crafts, she was often called upon to decorate bulletin boards and create displays for school plays and programs at the schools she served for over 35 years. 

Barbara married Troy Lee Lewis Jr. on August 4, 1962. From their union came Troy Lee Lewis III and Catherine Ann Lewis. From the earliest days, she prayed with her children nightly, taught them the Bible, and instilled in them that Jesus must be the foundation of everything. In December 1986, she married George Washington Allen, and they enjoyed nearly 40 years of marriage together. 

A longtime member of Mt. Hermon Baptist Church, Barbara she admitted she couldn't sing made a joyful noise with several choirs and participated in various church organizations over the years. She is remembered fondly by many. 

Her daughter, Catherine Moore, preceded her in passing in 2005. Barbara leaves behind her husband George Allen and his family; her son Troy Lewis (Tracey); six grandchildren Gregory (Anita), Jeremy (Alexis), Cory, Kyle, Troy IV, and Trent; eight great-grandchildren; and other precious children she helped raise and nurture. She also leaves behind countless children and families whose lives and futures she impacted through her vocation and witness, along with many family members, friends, and church members she loved and who loved her. 

May Barbara's legacy-of striving to live out the witness Christ showed us through sacrifice, compassion, and encouragement-be our charge in a hurting world today.

A Public Viewing will be held on March 26, 2026, from 3:30PM to 5:30PM at the House Of Peace Funeral Home, 4105 East 71st Street, Cleveland, OH. The Celebration of Life Service will be on March 27 2026, with a 10:00 AM Wake and 10:30 AM Service at Mt Hermon Baptist Church, 2516 East 40th Street, Cleveland, OH 44104.

We welcome you to provide your thoughts, memories, and pictures on Barbara's tribute wall. To send a flower arrangement or plant a tree in memory of Barbara, please click here to visit our sympathy store.