Rev. Ila Lucille Grant Allen, 88, from Lavonia, passed away at her residence on Sunday morning, May 26, 2024.

Born on June 2, 1935, in Franklin County, she was the daughter of the late Louis and Ione Earl Grant. After college, she pursued a career in textiles at Sibley Mills and later worked as an assistant teacher and substitute teacher with both the Hart County and Franklin County School Systems, where she loved getting to know the students and enjoyed keeping up with their lives as they grew.  She enjoyed getting together with her family and was proud to be the Grant Johnson Reunion Baby.

Although she had many interests and found fulfillment in textiles and education, her true calling was her ministry work as an ordained minister. Rev. Allen's devotion to reading the Bible and sharing the message of hope through Jesus was unwavering. As a student of scripture, she enjoyed teaching bible study at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in Townville, SC. Rev. Allen, a lifetime member of Fairview Missionary Baptist Church in Lavonia, was very active in the Union Missionary Baptist Association, the Child Evangelism Fellowship, and the General Missionary Baptist Convention. She will be remembered for her strong faith, embodiment of Christ's teachings, and her love for her family and friends.

Preceding her in death were her husband of 64 years, Clyde Allen; daughter, Sherry Allen Jones; son-in-law, David L. Jones; sisters, Sarah Grant and Legent Earl; and brother, Gilbert Scott.

Surviving her are her son and daughter-in-law, Craig and Tonya Allen; brother and sister-in-law, Ray and Bobbie Grant; grandchildren, Chena Allen, Devonni Allen, Ashleigh Jones, David Jones, Jr., and Cory Allen; great-grandchildren, Devion Hayes, Bricent Allen, and Ethan Allen; niece and nephew raised in the home: Debbie Grant and Jerry Grant; and several other nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank the staff members of Tugaloo Home Health, St. Mary's Hospital in Athens, and St. Mary's Hospice for the care that they gave to Mrs. Allen and the compassion shown to the family.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, May 31, 2024, at the chapel of Strickland Funeral Home in Lavonia. Following the service, a private burial will take place at Fairview Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Strickland Funeral Home in Lavonia is handling the arrangements. For more information and to sign the online guest register, please visit stricklandfh.com.