Bertha Lee Allen

It is with heavy hearts and profound gratitude for a life well-lived that we announce the passing of Bertha Lee Allen, who peacefully departed this world on July 9, 2026, at the age of 78. Born on July 2, 1948, in the small yet loving town of Cuney, Texas, Bertha was the cherished daughter of Otice D. and Clara Lee Boykin. Growing up in Cuney, Bertha's early years were filled with the warmth of family and community. In 1957, the Boykin family relocated to Dallas, where Bertha continued her education, graduating proudly from James Madison High School in 1967. Her quest for knowledge was unending; she achieved a Bachelor of Science degree in 2004 from Paul Quinn College, followed by two Master's degrees from Paul Quinn College and Dallas Baptist University, along with a Chaplaincy certification. Her commitment to education was as steadfast as her dedication to her community. Bertha was a devoted member of the Upsilon Lambda Omega Chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, which she joined in 2004. Her career spanned decades, beginning with Kodak and later Qualex, where she retired after 34 years of dedicated service in February 2000. Never one to rest on her laurels, Bertha reinvented herself as an educator, leaving an indelible mark on her students before retiring once again in 2022. Her life was a testament to service and faith. At Church on The Rock Community Fellowship, she wore many hats—Choir Director, Church Business Manager, and a member of both the Praise Team and Program Committee. Her voice and leadership left an everlasting imprint on her church family. In November 1969, Bertha entered into matrimony with Robert W. Smith, and together they welcomed two beautiful daughters, Angela and Leah. In September 1990, she found love anew with Emory Lafayette Allen, embracing his daughters, Rena and Shannea, as her own. Emory remained the love of her life until his passing, a poignant chapter of her journey. Bertha's life was rich with love for her family. Her surviving daughters, Angela Porter (Michael), Leah Germany, Rena Chism, and Shannea Chism, and her siblings, James (Papa) Boykin, Bennie F. Dunn, and Helen L. Boykin, along with her treasured grandchildren, Saint J. Williams and Erin T. Lawson, will forever carry her legacy in their hearts. Her beloved nieces and nephews, each of whom believed they were her favorite, and countless friends, join them in mourning her loss and celebrating her life. Bertha's heart was a garden, nurturing not only her flowers but also the lives she touched with her wisdom, contagious laughter, and unwavering kindness. Her legacy is the love she shared, the wisdom she imparted, and the joy she brought to every gathering, especially the annual family reunions she so adored. A memorial service to honor Bertha's remarkable life will be held on July 16, 2026, at 3:00 PM at Golden Gate Funeral Home, located at 4155 S. RL Thornton Fwy, Dallas, Texas 75224. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated staff of William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (UTSW) for their compassionate care during her final days. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made in Bertha's honor to a charity of your choice, reflecting her generous spirit and commitment to helping others. Bertha Lee Allen's life was a tapestry woven with love, faith, and service. Her presence was a gift to all who knew her, and she will be deeply missed, yet her spirit will continue to guide and inspire us all.