Shirley M. McGlotten-Allen

SHIRLEY McGLOTTEN ALLEN, beloved wife of the late Clinton N. Allen and daughter of the late Herbert Sr. and Frances McGlotten, was born December 16, 1931. Shirley received her Christian education from the Memorial Baptist Church of Baltimore, Md. under the leadership of the late Rev. Charles E. Brown, the late Rev. Angus A. Smith and Rev. Dr. Calvin E. Keene. She was a lifetime member of Memorial. While residing in Wilmington, Delaware Shirley attended Canaan Baptist Church. Shirley was a product of the Baltimore City Public School System. She graduated from the Paul Laurence Dunbar High School in June 1950. While attending Dunbar Shirley was a majorette in the Dunbar High School Band, an activity she truly enjoyed. She continued her education at the Bowie State Teachers College, graduating in June 1954. After graduation Shirley began her teaching career. Feeling a need to obtain more knowledge in the education field, she attended the Antioch College in Philadelphia, Pa. graduating with a Master's in Education in 1982. An excellent, caring, gifted and dedicated teacher; Shirley especially enjoyed working with mentally challenged students. She made learning fun. Students, faculty, as well as parents adored her. With her whimsical wit, charming smile, distinctive walk and her inward and outward beauty; she was a shining star wherever she went. She taught school for over forty years; ten years in Baltimore, two years in Chester, Pennsylvania and the remaining years in the Wilmington, Delaware Public School System. She retired in 1996. Her principal and co-workers would often call her after retirement for guidance, and food for thought. For several years Shirley would "dress and rest." She loved shopping, she was also an avid reader and traveler. Because of her natural ability to be "busy," she soon became bored from resting, dressing, reading, traveling and devoting time to her pets. Therefore, she went back into the working arenas, as a part-time sales associate for Dress Barn Clothiers in Wilmington, Delaware. Here again the buyers, managers, other associates and customers adored her. She was truthful, reliable, amiable and had a keen eye for fashion. Her brilliant smile and hearty laugh made you feel comfortable in her presence. Shirley was an active member of the Phi Delta Kappa National Sorority, Rho Chapter in Wilmington, Delaware. She was also a member of the Maggie C. Upshur #53, O.E.S., P.H.A. in Baltimore, Maryland. Shirley McGlotten Allen was a mother to some, a friend to many, and a guiding inspiration to all. God with His infinite wisdom called Shirley to be with Him on February 11, 2006. She leaves to cherish her memory: sister, Mildred McGlotten Taylor; brother, Herbert McGlotten Jr. (wife, Beatrice); sister, Barbara A. McGlotten; aunts, Edna McGlotten, Iona Watson, Yvonne Harvey (husband, William); nephew, Errol Taylor (wife, Deborah), Lynne McGlotten Chandler (husband, Anthony) and Tracey McGlotten Brown; one great-nephew and four great-nieces and a host of other relatives and friends.

Tributes

Shirley M. McGlotten-Allen

December 16, 1931 - February 11, 2006