Cornell Allen

Brother Cornell Allen graced this world with his presence on Sunday, August 22, 1926 and transitioned to his eternal rest on Monday, April 20, 2020 with his family at his side. He was born in Jefferson County, Alabama. Cornell was the first of thirteen children to the union of Ira and Susie Allen.

Raised in a Christian home, Cornell accepted Christ and was baptized at an early age, according to the word of God. Mr. Allen served his country honorably within the United States Army until his discharge in 1945. Not long after returning home, he married the love of his life Oweader Williams on February 16, 1947. Three years later Cornell and Oweader relocated to Columbus, Ohio where Cornell was employed with the Columbus Public School system and remained there until he retired in 1986.

On December 26, 1961 Cornell and Oweader welcomed their only child Susan Rochelle. It was important to maintain a Christian household. Their search to find a Christian bible based church lead them to Bethany Baptist Church, where they became faithful members and workers.

Being a man of skills, Mr. Allen exemplified the phrase “diy” as he dabbled in various areas of home improvement. He proudly passed his knowledge and experience onto his grandsons and any other young men willing to learn a trade.

Mr. Allen was also a man of discipline both in action and mindset. He was never afraid to speak his mind especially when it involved Civil Rights or wrong doings of any nature. Cornell worked to support his household and family. He was faithful to the responsibilities of a father and devoted husband to his late wife Oweader until her death in 2002.

Cornell is preceded in death by his parents Ira and Susie Allen, his wife of 55 years Oweader Allen, sisters Vera Long, Carrie Allen-Taylor, Mattie Willingham, and Olivia Solid, brothers Ozzie Allen, Gene Allen, Luvert Allen, Charles Allen, and Herman Allen.

He leaves to cherish his precious memory and continue his legacy; daughter Susan (Austin) Byrd, grandchildren Austin (Elisha) Byrd II, Shawntez Byrd, Oweader Byrd, Allan Byrd, and Sharae Byrd, great grandchildren Alissa Byrd, Shawniece Byrd, Austin Byrd III., and Shawniyah Byrd, all of Columbus, Ohio, siblings Mildred Sledge of Cleveland, Ohio, Leroy Allen of Bronx, NY., and special cousin Delores Wilson as well as loving sister-in-laws Mae Frances (Richard) Epps, LeeAnna Reese, Ethel Williams, Wille (John) Brown, Eva Allen, Mary Allen, Clara Williams and loving niece Felicia Gibson, endearing memories will be held by Robert Wilson, Sidney Byrd, Michael Sowell, and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

Private Services entrusted to MARLAN J. GARY FUNERAL HOME, THE CHAPEL OF PEACE NORTH, 2500 Cleveland Ave.

Interment at Union Cemetery.