Lillian Elizabeth Allen, age 88, of Portland, Oregon was called home by God on the afternoon of July 16, 2024. She had battled numerous health issues but was in good spirits and feeling well just prior to her sudden departure.
Lillian was born January 17, 1936, in Maringouin, Louisiana. She moved a couple times, spending several years in Beaumont, Texas and finally ending up in Vanport, Oregon along with her parents, Ethel E. and John Thomas, Jr. They moved to Vanport in 1947 along with a host of family members that came to work in the shipyards. Lillian and her family members were survivors of the 1948 Vanport flood.
Lillian graduated in 1954 from Roosevelt High School and played Basketball while studying at Portland State College (currently Portland State University). She was a fierce proponent of education but gave up college to reduce the financial strain on her parents. She started working at the local cannery, but continued to learn bookkeeping and accounting until she started performing tax preparation services and eventually ended up as a Bookkeeper for Mayflower Farms where she stayed for most of her work life. She left her beloved job at Mayflower when the headquarters was moved to Seattle as part of a merger with Darigold Farms. She later worked at PacifiCorp for a few years and was able to retire early in her fifties.
Lillian met the love of her life, Willis O. Allen, and they eventually married on August 29, 1969. Lillian had a fierce love and devotion for family and friends, and their home quickly became the prime destination for family gatherings, get-togethers, and a place where people could relax and enjoy excellent food and good company. Everyone was always made to feel welcome in their home. Lillian was a proud and valued member of the Grand Niters Social Club and the LTO club. Her other loves included vacations at the coast, gardening, word puzzles and reading. She had an incredible collection of thousands of books and could read an entire novel in a few hours. Lillian will always be remembered as a Boss. She was stubborn and strong-willed and loved to debate, but her loving kindness, generosity, warmth, loyalty, and positive outlook always stole everyone’s heart.
Lillian was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Willis O. Allen; children, Lance Lincoln, Disa Lincoln; Parents, Ethel E. and John Thomas, and a host of family and long-time friends.
She leaves to mourn her passing, children, Gregory R. Allen (Christina), Susan F. “Lisa” Harper (Michael Sr.), Beverly J. Coleman; grandchildren, Anthony Coleman, II, Brittinie Mitchell (Rahmiel), Michael Harper, Jr. (Joelle), Gabriell Harper, LaRaya Patterson, LaMani Patterson, Quentin Allen; great-grandchildren, Ocean Coleman, Artist Coleman; one aunt, Georgia M. Allen, and a number of relatives and devoted friends.
A memorial gathering will begin at 12:00 noon on Friday, August 16, 2024 at Rose City Cemetery and Funeral Home. A short graveside service will follow at 1:00pm to place Lillian next to her dearly departed husband.