Brother James "Bo" Allen

James “Bo” Allen was born on March 28, 1939 in Statesboro, Georgia to Dock Thonia and Mamie Allen. He and his siblings were raised in an atmosphere of love, laughter and respect for one another. He attended Public School in Statesboro. Because of “Bo’s” (as he was affectionately called) upbringing he confessed Christ at an early age and joined Summer Hill Missionary Baptist Church. He served faithfully until his health failed. In 1957 James married Geneva Williams of Statesboro, Georgia. Their union was blessed with two daughters, Jacquelyn and Debra. James loved his family unconditionally and he was devoted to them. In times of indecision or uncertainty the family looked to him for guidance and support. He was always there. After the death of Geneva he later remarried and this union was blessed with a son, Marcus. When his sister, Helen, passed away he raised her children, Hollis and Brenda Mainer as his own. The nieces from Florida spent the summer months in Statesboro with their grandparents only to be under the strict supervision of our beloved Uncle James. He made sure that all of our holidays were special and full of fun. James loved to cook his famous fried fish and chicken and he loved to entertain family and friends. Another pastime was talking on the phone. He was the biggest sports advocate around. Basketball, baseball, football, boxing, tennis, no matter what the sport, he loved them all. The Boston Red Sox was his favorite baseball team, win or lose! James was employed by ITT Grinnell as a Steelman for 32 years. He was also the Owner and Operations Manager of two entertainment establishments. “The Pond and the Reńdezvous.” James lived a full and wholesome life. We are grateful for his exemplary life, his tireless and unselfish labor among us; the good he did, the things he taught and the inspiration we received. On Sunday, April 13, 2014 James transitioned to eternity . . . We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. II Corinthians 5:8 James was preceded in death by his wife, Geneva, his father, Dock Thonia and mother, “Miss Sister” (as he affectionately called her), who was the Love, Rock and Strength of his life, grandmother, Effie Burns, brother, Earl, sister, Helen, all who are waiting to welcome him home. He leaves to cherish precious memories: his devoted children, Jacquelyn Gilliam (Kevin) of Clinton, Maryland, Debra Cody (Bobby) of Statesboro, Georgia, Marcus Allen (Kim) of Atlanta, Georgia, Hollis Mainer (Dawn) and Brenda Moore (Charles) of Statesboro, Georgia, Charlene Williams, Mamie Jackson (Eric), Ronald Ogelsby and Laursey Raymond; loving sisters, Jean Savage of Orlando, Florida, Eddie Ruth Jackson and Angela Thompson, both of Oakland, Florida; eighteen grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; devoted nephew and friend, Eric Frink; along with extended family in Florida; a host of loving and devoted nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many sorrowing friends.

Tributes

Brother James "Bo" Allen

March 28, 1939 - April 13, 2014