Janet Elaine Allen passed away on September 28, 2022 at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Mo. She was born on July 18, 1948, the daughter of David Paul Dennis and Ruth Annette (Stout) Dennis in Quincy, Illinois.
Janet spent her early years in Augusta, Illinois, moving with her family to Quincy in 1964. Janet loved growing up in Augusta surrounded by generations of family. She graduated from Quincy Senior High School in 1966. Her college years were spent at Illinois State University in Bloomington, Illinois with two summers attending summer school at the University of Illinois. She graduated with her Bachelor's Degree from ISU in Elementary Education in 1970. She graduated from the University of Illinois with her Master's Degree in Reading Emphasis.
Janet was married to Gary Allen in 1980. They had two children, Nathan and Julie.
Janet was employed by the Quincy Public Schools and in 1970 began her teaching career at Ellington School teaching 3rd Grade. She taught grades 3 - 4 until 1984 at Ellington, and then taught 4th, 5th, and Title I Reading at Baldwin West Intermediate School. She retired from teaching in 2004.
The word that best describes Janet is "selfless". Janet always thought of others before herself, and her home was the location for many friend and family gatherings. Whether people were swimming in her pool, sharing a great meal, or playing a variety of board games, everyone knew that they were welcome. Anytime there was music, "Mustang Sally" would be everyone's cue to hit the dance floor. Her dry sense of humor always brought a smile to everyone's face. There are many stories of Janet that have become family legends and will be treasured in the years to come. She was known as "Maw-maw" by her grandchildren and all their friends. Even as her health declined, she remained the Number One Fan of her grandchildren's sports and academic endeavors.
Janet was baptized at Central Baptist Church in Quincy, and attended The Crossing Church.
Janet is survived by her daughter, Julie Allen, and her beloved grandchildren, DeOnna, Kennady, and Ty Douglas. Also surviving are her sisters, Julie Hess (Randy) of Dallas, Texas, Paula Rosene (Dave) of Appleton, Wisconsin, and a brother, Jim (Karen) Dennis of Quincy. She is also survived by many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends.
The family would like to thank the medical staff at QMG, Blessing, and Barnes Jewish Hospital for the excellent care Janet received over the years. A special thank you to Cheryl Eversden for making sure Janet never missed an appointment.
Those who preceded her in death are her mother and father, Paul and Ann Dennis, and her son, Nathan Clay Allen.
Visitation will be held 4:00 - 7:00 p.m., Thursday, October 6, 2022, at Hansen-Spear Funeral Home.
Services will be conducted at 10:00 a.m., Friday, October 7, 2022 at The Crossing Church, 48th and Maine in Quincy by Pastor Jim Dennis.
Memorials in honor of Janet will be for the grandchildren's college educations. Checks may be made out to Julie Allen. Memorial Donations may be made online at https://memorials.hansenspear.com
Hansen-Spear Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.
www.hansenspear.com
Tributes
Lonny Lemon wrote on Oct 6, 2022:
"Julie and family, I am so sorry to hear about your mom. As you know, your mom and dad were the first people I met in Quincy and invited me into their home to live that first year with them, Nathan, and you. She will always hold a special place in my heart. I will pray that God gives you the strength you need to get through the difficult days ahead and that HE will fill your heart and soul with only the great memories you created and shared together. God Bless."
Tom Arnold wrote on Oct 6, 2022:
"Janet was a joy to work with. I enjoyed our once year meeting. Godspeed Janet."