Helen Allen

Maude Helen Allen, age 97, passed away peacefully at her home on November 4, 2026. She left behind a lifetime of memories, friendships, and a family who loved her dearly.

Born May 10, 1929 in Portland, Tennessee, she was the daughter of the late Lee Halcomb and the late Ruth Dunn Garrett. She was also preceded in death by her husband George W. Allen Jr., a brother, Wayne Garrett and an infant sister, Joyce Garrett.

Helen graduated from Franklin-Simpson High School with the Class of 1947. On April 9, 1955 she married George W. Allen Jr., a World War II Army veteran. Together they welcomed two sons, Mark and Gary, and built their family home in Franklin, Kentucky. Following George’s disabling medical condition in 1965, Helen worked tirelessly while raising their sons and caring for her husband until his passing in October 1985. Her strength, dedication, and love for her family never wavered.

Her faith was important to Helen, and she dearly loved her church family at Round Pond Church. Helen devoted more than 30 years of her working life to Franklin Express, where she served as a secretary and office clerk until her retirement in 1995. During those years, she formed many lasting friendships that she treasured throughout her life.

Helen is survived by her two sons, Mark Allen and his wife, Lena of Morgantown, KY and Gary Allen and his wife, Jeanette of Sikeston, MO; her sister, Jean Wilks of Orlinda, TN; six grandchildren, Kerra Sykes Ogden, Kelsey Allen, Taylor Allen Deere (Travis), Gratten Allen (Kelsey), Amanda Allen Knoner (Caleb), and Patton Allen; ten great grandchildren, Layla, Brayden, Sam, Tom, Henry, Lily, Hazel, August, Clover, and Gratten II (J.R.). She is also survived by several beloved family members and friends.

Helen’s 97 years were filled with blessings. She was a devoted wife, a hardworking mother, a proud grandmother and great-grandmother, beloved sister, and loyal friend. Her legacy is found in the family she cherished, the friendships she nurtured, the traditions she created, and the countless memories that will continue through generations. She will be remembered with love, missed beyond words, and forever cherished by those fortunate enough to have shared in her life.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 7, 2026 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Gilbert Funeral Home & Crematory in Franklin, KY. Funeral services will follow visitation on Saturday, November 7th at 1:00 PM with interment to follow in Restlawn Memory Gardens in Franklin, KY.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to Round Pond Church, Round Pond Church, c/o Lydia Latham, 201 Stephens Hill Road, Franklin, KY 42134, Franklin, KY 42134 or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or at stjude.org.