Annie Mae Allen

October 25, 1937 – May 30, 2025

Annie Mae Allen, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and advocate for children, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 30, 2025, at the age of 87.

Born on October 25, 1937, in Augusta, Georgia, Annie was the second of four children of the late Fred and Rosie Ivey. She graduated from Lucy C. Laney High School with the Class of 1955 and began her college education at Clark University in Atlanta. She later moved to Buffalo, New York, where she earned her bachelor’s degree from Buffalo State College.

Annie met William Lindsey Allen, during the summer of 1954 on a blind date arranged by a close high school friend. It was a match!They married on June 8, 1958, at the original Bethel A.M.E. Churchin Augusta, GA, with the late Rev. Harris officiating. Their marriagespans nearly 67 years, and together they raised four children.

Annie was a trailblazer and advocate for youth, education, and community. For example, she spent the majority of her professional career at Hopevale, a treatment center for adolescent girls in Hamburg, NY. Starting as a coordinator, she rose to become Supervisor of Special Services—the first African American to hold a supervisory position at the center. There, she launched an innovative campus-wide Independent Living Program, secured state grant funding, and was honored by New York State for her achievements.

Annie believed deeply in the power of education, encouraging each of her children to pursue advanced degrees—an aspiration they all fulfilled. Her guidance and support reflected her lifelong love of learning and her desire to uplift others through knowledge.

While in Buffalo, Annie was a member of Bethel A.M.E. Church—sharing a name and spirit with her childhood church. She was also a charter member of the Buffalo Chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, a member of the Gamma Phi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, and a charter member of The Erie County (NY) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated.

In 1991, Annie returned to her roots in Augusta, Georgia, rejoining her home church, Bethel A.M.E. There, she continued her legacy of service as Director of Client Services at Tri-Development Center in Aiken, SC, and later as a Case Manager with the Augusta Partnership for Children.

She remained active in civic life as a Platinum member and past president of The Augusta (GA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated and volunteered on the foster care panel for the Juvenile Courts of Richmond County.

Annie brought beauty and joy to everyday life. She delighted in decorating her homes, touring unique houses, hosting gatherings, admiring elegant place settings, designing flower gardens, watching action films, and spending cherished time with her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Rosie Ivey; her sister, Freddie Mae Ivey Vick; and her brother, Walter Donald Ivey.

Annie leaves to celebrate her memory and legacy her devoted husband, William Lindsey Allen; their four children: DeMetrice Allen of Augusta, GA, Lt. Col. W. Tyrone (Patrice) Allen, Army, Retired, of Norfolk, VA Lt. Col. Michael (Valarie) Allen, Marines, Retired, of Oceanside, CA, and Trina Allen, MD of Hillsborough, NC; her brother, John W. (Colis) Ivey of Augusta, GA; grandchildren: Kala (Daniel) Omeiza of Raleigh, NC, Tavia (Jack) Kelly of Arlington, VA, Capt. Terrence Allen of Fayetteville, NC, Nikolai Owens, and Carrington Owens, both of Marietta, GA; great-grandchildren: Kiari Owens, Cameron Owens, London Owens, Lexi Owens all of Marietta, GA, and Kavod Omeiza of Raleigh, NC; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends.

Her warmth, wisdom, and love will remain in the hearts of all who knew her.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, June 7, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Bethel A.M.E. Church, 623 Crawford Avenue, Augusta, Georgia. Interment will be in Hillcrest Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends Friday, June 6, 2025 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Kinsey & Walton Funeral Home, 3618 Peach Orchard Road, Augusta, Georgia, 30906 (706)790-8858.