Shirley Allen, of Rockford departed this earthly life November 16, 2024. She was born June 8, 1935 in Birmingham, Alabama the daughter of Hezekiah and Sarah Carson. Shirley lived in Rockford since 1954 coming from Birmingham. She married Tom Allen, he preceded her in death. Shirley was employed as a machine operator by Warner Lambert 16 years before retiring. She was a member of Providence Baptist Church, serving on the Usher Board. Shirley graduated from Jefferson High School in Birmingham. She loved to get with her friends and play cards.

Shirley leaves to cherish many loving memories, two sons, Tom Allen and Darcy Allen; seven daughters, Andrea Allen, Cynthia (Frank) Outlow, Geraldine Allen, Sarah Michelle Allen, Sharon Allen, Lynn Allen and Mary Brooks;  21 grandchildren, including special grandson Ladon Allen; 29 great grandchildren; and 11 great great grandchildren; a host of cousins other relatives and friends including special cousin, Clifford  "Buddy" Johnson. She was predeceased by her husband; parents; son Dallas Allen; sister, Savanah Wright; and  three brothers, Jerome Dyson, James Carson, and Clyde Dyson.

Services will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, November 30, 2024 at Providence Baptist Church 2209 Clifton Avenue. Entombment in Sunset Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held 8:00 a.m. until the time of  service. Arrangements completed by Carl E. Ponds Funeral Home Inc.