Mother Catherine Allen

Catherine Marie Foy was born to Frankie Charles and Elizabe (Darden) Foy on January 16, 1938 in Brooklyn, New York where she was raised with her siblings: Johnnie, Robert and Linda, who she raised as a daughter after her parents' passing. Catherine attended the New York City public school system and graduated from Clara Barton High School in Brooklyn. On June 23, 1956, Catherine married her childhood sweetheart, James Allen, Sr., whom she affectionately called “Billy.” The loving couple were married for 63 years and were blessed with 11 children. Both James and Catherine accepted Jesus as their savior and joined the Tabernacle of Prayer church in Brooklyn under the leadership of the late Apostle Johnnie L. Washington. James became an elder, and she later became a mother of the church. As Tabernacle transitioned to the leadership of Bishop Ronnie Davis, Elder and Mother Allen remained dedicated to the ministry. She was often seen supporting her husband whenever and wherever he preached. Elder Allen would always ask Mother Allen to stand so he could acknowledge her as co-laborer with him in the gospel. Upon their retirements, the couple relocated to Rocky Mount, North Carolina and joined the Salvation and Praise Tabernacle under Reverend David Watts. Employed by the State of New York, Catherine worked at the Brooklyn Developmental Center for 25 years. She would often bring home patients from the center to stay with the family. She would also take in people and provide food, clothing and money, helping them get on their feet. Catherine was happiest when her home was filled with family, friends, her children and grandchildren. Affectionately known as “Mother Nature,” Mother Allen was a mother to all, an amazing woman who always helped those in need. She was known for always being dressed to perfection. Most Sundays found Mother Allen wearing outfits straight out of fashion magazines. Her matching ensembles were legendary, depicting her exquisite taste in suits or dresses with matching hats, bags and shoes. An entire room in her home was reserved for her church hats! Departing this life on Saturday, February 27, 2021, Mother Catherine Allen, entered her eternal home in heaven. She was preceded in death by: her parents, Frankie and Elizabe Foy; her brother Johnnie Foy; her brother-in-law, Frank Brooks; her youngest son, Ronnie; her daughter-in-law Bernice; and her late husband, James Allen, Sr. She will be remembered for her kind heart, her love and care for the community, and her love and support of her husband, children and extended family. Mother Allen leaves to cherish her memory her children: Linda, Brenda, Richard (Lucita), James, Jr., Mary (Lou), Antoine, Terrence (Olga), Patricia, Derrick, Robert (Marquitta) and Towana (Lincoln); brother-in-laws: Claude, Jimmy and Michael (Gail); sisters-in-laws: Joyce (Tony) and Carol (Willie); brother: Robert Foy; 38 grandchildren, 34 great grandchildren and 8 great-great grandchildren, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, god-children Priscilla McClain, adopted children and close friends. The family and friends of the late Mother Catherine Allen would like to acknowledge with heartfelt appreciation and sincere thanks for all the acts of kindness and expressions of sympathy extended to our family during this season of bereavement. We thank you for your love and support and appreciate the cards, letters, love gifts and prayers. Our hearts are heavy but made glad by the blessings you have bestowed upon us. Continue to pray for us in the days ahead as we pray God’s richest blessings for you and your families for your love of our beloved mother. “…Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labor’s; and their works do follow them.” Revelation 14:13

Mother Catherine Allen

January 16, 1938 - February 27, 2021