Hattie Mae (Swopes) Allen

With an indomitable spirit, and a keen sense of humor, Hattie Mae Allen lived life to the fullest!  Affectionately known as: Momma, Grandma, Ms. Hattie, Aunt Deddie, Baby, Aunt Hattie, she peacefully passed away at the wonderful age of 99 years old on October 12, 2018.  She will forever be remembered by her family, church members and friends as she touched the lives of many people with her unselfish generosity, her delightful smile and classic mannerisms.

The eldest of her siblings, Ms. Hattie was born in Priceville, Alabama on April 28, 1919 to Henry Swopes and Mary Pickett Swopes. At an early age she moved to Decatur, Alabama to live with a cousin.  She was educated in the Decatur City School System.  She began working at an early age to help support her younger siblings and was employed at the Lyon’s Hotel, St. Ann’s Rectory and School, and later for the O’Donalds. 

One of her proudest moments came in 1966 when she married Sherman Allen, Jr. She extended her heart and her family (with six children) and created a loving nurturing home.

Ms. Hattie gave her life to Christ and joined the Flint Creek Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Cable.  She joined David Temple Primitive Baptist Church in 1971of Decatur, Alabama to be with her husband. She took great pleasure in being an active and much loved member of her church in Decatur for over 40 years. For several years, she sang in the church choir and served on the Mother’s Board. She also loved participating in the “Calendar Club Program,” where she always collected the most donations from patrons.  After her husband’s death she moved her membership to Sand Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Priceville, Alabama, and remained an active member.

Mother Hattie Mae Allen lived a fulfilling life by any measure, and reached a high point earlier this year when she celebrated her 99th Birthday with a host of family and friends from all over the country. She leaves to mourn: five children, Frank (Judy) Allen, Brenda (Edward) Greene, Donnie (Clarence) Jones, Billy (Erica) Allen, all of Decatur, Alabama, and Tommy Allen, New York City, New York;  one daughter-in-law, Brenda Ayers Allen of Decatur, Alabama; 14 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren; 2 great great-grandchildren; two sisters; Ms. Julia Jones, Ms. Lucille Swopes both of Decatur, Alabama, and many other beloved nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.  Her parents and three siblings preceded her in death.

A Celebration of Life for Mrs. Hattie Mae Swopes Allen will be 11:00am Thursday, October 18, 2018 at King's Memorial United Methodist Church with the Reverend George W. Allen, Jr. officiating and the Reverend Rod Stallworth, host pastor.  Inhumation will follow in Sandhill Cemetery in Priceville, Alabama.  The body will lie in repose one hour prior to funeral with Reynolds Funeral Home directing. 

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