Esther Naomi McDowell Allen, lovingly known to her family and friends as "Aunt Punk," was born on May 19, 1935, in
Garland, Arkansas. Mom often said she was born "on the other side of the tracks" in Garland, and she never forgot
where she came from.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jimmy Allen, with whom she shared 71 years of marriage; her son,
Morris Allen III; her parents, James McDowell and Martha Cleo McDowell; and several of her brothers and sisters. She
came from a family of twelve—seven girls, including Mom, and five boys—and she loved her family dearly.
Mom was a woman of deep faith. Her life was a testimony. Her love for God was reflected in the way she lived, the way
she treated others, and the way she loved her family. She believed in God, His promises, and the hope of eternal life.
Mom was also artistic and creative. She loved making dolls, ceramics, and tole painting. As a beautician, she loved her
work and especially enjoyed attending hair shows in Dallas with her sister Jerolyn, along with Marty, Paula, and
Charles.

Mom loved Christmas—the decorations, traditions, beauty of the season, and having family and friends together.
Mom and Dad were generous people who opened their home to others. One of the best examples was their New Year's
Day party, when Mom would welcome family and friends and cook black-eyed peas, homemade hot-water cornbread,
pork chops, and her famous bread pudding with raspberry sauce. She had a way of making people feel welcome and
loved.

When I think about Mom, I think about her humble beginnings, her family, her 71 years with Dad, her creativity, her love of
Christmas, the people she loved, and the faith that guided her life.

Today, we grieve because we love her and because we will miss her. But we can also be grateful—for the years we had
with her, the memories she created, and the testimony she left behind.

Mom, thank you for your love, your faith, and the example you gave us. Thank you for the Christmases, the meals, the
laughter, the creativity, the trips, and all the memories. Thank you for opening your home and your heart to so many
people. And most of all, thank you for being my mother.

You will continue to live on in the people you loved, in the memories you created, and in the faith you shared with those
around you.

Aunt Punk, you were deeply loved. You are deeply missed. And you will never be forgotten.
I love you, Mom.

And I'll see you again someday.