James "Vernon" Allen Sr.'s Obituary
James “Vernon” Allen Sr., 79, of Brownsville, Tennessee, formerly of Decatur, passed away Monday, February 11, 2019.
James was born September 2, 1939, in Brownsville, Tennessee, the son of Joshua and Henrietta (Cooper) Allen. He married Dollie Mae Blair on January 19, 1960 in Brownsville, Tennessee.
Survivors include his wife, Dollie Mae Blair; three sons, Donald (Charolette) Allen of Jackson, Tennessee; Michael (Hattie) Allen of Jackson, Tennessee; and Marquis Dennis of Evansville, Indiana; a daughter, Brenda (Willie) Adams of Brownsville, Tennessee; two sisters, Etta Mary Allen and Suzette Allen of Decatur; 16 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; special friends: Roger and Linda Wilson of Texas; and Chester Stepney of Decatur. He was preceded in death by his grandparents; his parents; a brother, Noah Allen; a sister, Margaret Taylor; a son, James Allen, Jr.; and a longtime friend, Henrietta Wilson.
Vernon was a member of St. Paul Baptist Church in Brownsville, Tennessee. He enjoyed fishing,cooking, watching western movies and baseball. James worked at Wagner Casting Company for several years.
Homegoing services to celebrate the life of James “Vernon” Allen, Sr. will be noon, at Greater Northside Missionary Baptist Church in Decatur with the Rev. Jimmy Waddell officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery.
The family of James Allen, Sr. is being served by Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home, 2091 N. Oakland St. Decatur, IL. Please view the online obituary, send condolences, and share memories at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
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