Gertrude Allen

Gertrude R. Allen, formerly of Greensburg, transitioned to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2016. She was born Sept. 18, 1918, to the late William and Lillie Meadows. Gertrude graduated from Connellsville Senior High School. She was married to the late Rev. Willie Van Allen, and moved to Bovard, where she resided for many years before moving to Greensburg. Gertrude was an active member of the Bovard Baptist Church; after moving to Greensburg, she joined First Antioch Baptist Church, where she remained a faithful and devoted member. Gertrude was honored deaconess on July 1, 2012, and installed Mother of the church on Jan. 27, 2013. She served as president of the Missionary Board, was Sunday school superintendent and she sang in the senior choir. Mother Allen was employed by Penn State as a nutrition aide and retired from there in 1983 after 14 years of service. Mother Allen was a member of the Penn Extension Para Professional Association and served as treasurer. She was also active in the community, where she served on the YWCA Board and the YWBA. In the 1970s, she became a member of the first Human Relations Commission, where she served as treasurer. Mother Allen was dedicated to helping the underprivileged of all races and worked faithfully with the Community Action of Greensburg. She served as president and assisted in the operation of the Budget Shop in Greensburg. She was honored with an Appreciation Dinner on Sept. 13, 2014, for her determination for civil rights in Greensburg. Government officials acknowledged her work with certificates and proclamations. Mother Allen is survived by four devoted daughters, Mrs. Barbara J. Gaiter, of Greensburg, Evang. Wanda L. Allen-Wright (Pastor Rogers Wright), of Bonaire, Ga., Mrs. Sharon Green, of Bladensburg, Md., and Dr. Janice Allen; five grandchildren, Karen Gaiter, Courtney A. Gaiter II (Corey), Michael H. Green and Gerald L. Green, and Michael E. Wright Sr.; eight great-grandchildren, Stephanie, Candace and Ethan Green, Ethan and Kayla McMichael, Amari and Teya Gaiter and Michael E. Wright II; her only surviving sibling, Mrs. Ida Mae Alsop; sister-in-law, Mrs. Dorothy Allen; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to celebrate the life of Mother Allen from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday in the First Antioch Baptist Church, 726 W. Pittsburgh St., Greensburg, PA 15601. A homegoing service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday in the church with the Rev. Nathaniel McCoy officiating. Interment will follow in St. Clair Cemetery, Greensburg.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the First Antioch Baptist Church, Excela Hospice and Home Health Care, National Parkinson Association or to a charity of ones choice. Mother Allen's family has entrusted her care to the PANTALONE FUNERAL HOME INC., Greensburg. To share your memories and photos, offer your condolences, or for directions, please visit us at www.pantalone.com. Natale N. Pantalone, supervisor.