Obituary of Zelma Fern Allen

Zelma Fern Allen, age 82, passed away on Tuesday, April 26, 2016, at Ardmore, Okla. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm, Friday, April 29, 2016, at the First Baptist Church of Ardmore with Dr. Alton Fannin officiating. Interment to follow in Hillcrest Memorial Park of Ardmore. Zelma was born on February 23, 1934, to Vonnie Elledge and Myrtle (Fox) Elledge at Ardmore, Okla. Starting as a telephone operator with AT&T formally, Southwestern Bell; where she worked her way into the business office. She was a member of the First Baptist Church her entire life and that was where she and Jerrel had their first date. Zelma married the love of her life, Jerrel Allen, on June 25, 1960, at Ardmore. She took an early retirement with AT&T and later began working with Campfire Girls of America. Through her hard work and dedication, Zelma became the Executive Director of Southern Oklahoma. She loved to go and support her children’s ballgames. She loved shopping with her sister, working Sudoku and her crossword puzzles. Zelma loved her Lady’s Bible Study class. She was very proud to receive a two year perfect attendance certificate from the class. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister, Ada Ruth Scifres, and uncle, Grady Fox. Zelma is survived by her husband of 55 years, Jerrel Allen, son, Brad Allen and wife Kerrie, and two daughters: Cynthia Shirley and husband Fred and Kimberly Lee. Nine grandchildren: Chris, Brian, Chelsea, Dusty, Michaela, Christyn, Darion, Kevin, and Rachel. Two sisters: Hazel Asay and Marie Jones, and special friend, Margie Follis. The Community Sunday School Class of First Baptist Church will serve as honorary bearers.