On, Saturday, October 24, 2020, Billie Joy Allen peacefully entered the presence of her Savior.  She was 92 years old, in the care of her daughter Liz and the Southern Wind Manor of Pittsburg, Texas.

Billie was preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, Rev. Walter E. Allen.  She is survived by her son, John V. Allen and wife Evelyn, her daughter Lizabeth A. Haefs and husband Wes, and by her son Walter M. Allen.  Billie leaves a legacy of 7 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great grandchildren, and 4 great-great-great grandchildren.  She will be dearly remembered by all who knew her as a servant and humble saint.

Born on February 28, 1928, Billie grew up in Beckville, Texas, where she graduated high school.  At age nineteen, she married Walter Eugene, known to her as "Gene."  For 13 years, the couple worked through school and in pastoral ministry, until joining the Southern Baptist Mission Board.  With their three young children, Billie and Gene moved to East Africa where they served as a missionaries in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda for over twenty years.  During this time, Billie was instrumental in field evangelism, church planting, and missionary support.

Upon returning to the United States, Billie continued her ministerial work by serving as the Harmony-Pittsburg Baptist Association Secretary.  She also served with Walter at Piney Grove Baptist Church in many capacities.  Billie was pastor's wife, Sunday school teacher, nursery keeper, and kitchen help.  After retirement, she accompanied Walter to many posts throughout East Texas as interim and supply pastor.

In all capacities, in ministry and at home, Billie worked tirelessly behind the scenes and was loathe to receive any recognition or praise.  To her family, Billie will be especially remembered for innumerable meals prepared, beans snapped, berries picked, tomatoes peeled, curry served, and dishes scrubbed.  In her final years, Billie spoke regularly of her longing for heaven.  We rejoice that she joins a great cloud of witnesses who have preceded her in death, including: parents Vergil and Ettie Belle Metcalf, sisters Virginia, Varge, Margie, Sara Jane, and Phyllis, and her beloved husband Walter.

Memorial Service for Billie Joy Allen will be held at 10am, Tuesday, November 3, 2020 at the Allen Funeral Home, Wylie, TX.  Officiating will be Bro. Wes Haefs.

Following the service, the family will gather at the home of Rob and DeRhonda Phillips, 6111 Laurel Crest, Sachse, TX 75048.

Memorial gifts may be made to any one of the following 3:

1. Gideons International
2. Southern Wind Manor, 618 Quitman St, Pittsburg, TX 75686
3. IMB, Richmond Virginia (Lottie Moon)