Bernice Yvonne Allen

In Loving Memory of Bernice Yvonne “Nene” Allen 

March 29, 1939 – June 11, 2026 

"To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord." — 2 Corinthians 5:8 

With profound love, gratitude, and cherished memories, we celebrate the beautiful life and enduring legacy of Bernice Yvonne “Nene” Allen, who peacefully departed this life on June 11, 2026. 

Born on March 29, 1939, in Cleveland, Ohio, Bernice was the beloved daughter of Norman and Hilda Benton, whom she adored and honored throughout her life. She attended Case Elementary School and Rawlings Junior High School before graduating from John Adams High School in 1957. She later continued her education at Cuyahoga Community College, carrying with her a lifelong commitment to learning, growth, and service. 

Bernice was a woman of grace, strength, elegance, and unwavering integrity. Known for her great taste, confident presence, and natural leadership, she had a remarkable ability to make friends wherever she went. Her warm smile, infectious personality, and genuine concern for others left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her. 

For much of her professional life, Bernice devoted herself to serving others as a Mental Health Case Manager and community advocate. Her passion for helping people led her to impactful roles with Hough-Norwood Family Healthcare Center, Berea Children's Services, and Harvard Community Services Center, where she served as Program Manager for Senior Services. She was also instrumental in helping establish the Youth Resource Center at Audubon Junior High School in Cleveland where she served as Guidance Counselor. Caring for others, especially the elderly, was not simply her profession; it was her calling and one of the greatest joys of her life. 

On September 27, 1958, Bernice married Johnnie Allen Sr. in Cleveland, Ohio. Together they built a loving home in Cleveland's Mt. Pleasant neighborhood and were blessed with four children. Family was the cornerstone of Bernice's life, and she poured her heart into nurturing, supporting, and encouraging those she loved. A woman of deep and abiding faith, Bernice was a devoted member of Morning Star Baptist Church, where she worshipped under the leadership of her childhood friend and pastor, Reverend Dr. Earl Preston. After relocating to Atlanta, Georgia, she continued her spiritual journey as a faithful member of Elizabeth Baptist Church under the leadership of Bishop Craig L. Oliver Sr. 

Bernice embraced life with enthusiasm, creativity, and purpose. She was a published poet, talented decorator, accomplished cook, gifted entertainer, and devoted friend. She loved bringing people together and creating memorable experiences for family and friends. Her homemade rolls and cornbread dressing became legendary and remain treasured family

favorites. Skating was her passion, and she was a member of the Blue Goose skating Club. She also enjoyed bike riding, tennis, and other fitness activities, as well as crafting, and shopping. 

Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to successful ventures as a furrier, jeweler, and owner of a gift basket business. Bernice believed in pursuing her dreams and inspired others to do the same. She found joy in life's simple pleasures as well. She faithfully watched Oprah, Donahue, and the evening news, and enjoyed reading the daily newspaper. She treasured meaningful conversations, lifelong friendships, and opportunities to help others whenever she could. 

Bernice was preceded in death by her beloved mother and father, Hilda and Norman Benton, her sister Barbara Benton, her brother Melvin Benton, and her sister Audrey Johnson. She is survived by her brother Bernard Benton and her brother and sister-in-law Francis and Shirley Price of Atlanta, Ga. 

She leaves to cherish her memory her devoted children, Belinda Williams of Cleveland, Ohio, Cindy Allen (Vernon) of Atlanta, Georgia, Johnnie “Chip” Allen Jr. (Antionese) of Columbus, Ohio, and Dwayne Allen of Atlanta, Georgia. 

She also leaves to cherish her memory her grandchildren: London Young (Mark), Lauren Wilson (Kenneth), Courtnee Allen (Eric), Nia Washington (Gentry) and Kendall Allen. Her legacy continues through her treasured great-grandchildren: Esperanza Young, Geneviève Young, Erys Allen-Britton, Kenneth Wilson III, Skylar Washington, and Milani Washington. She also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, dear friends, and loved ones whose lives were enriched by her kindness, wisdom, generosity, and unwavering love. 

She was also preceded in death by her special friend, Gerald “Butch” Prince, whose companionship brought her much happiness. 

Among the many friendships she cherished throughout her life were those shared with Lucy Foy, Barbara Spearman, Ophelia Tolliver, Jean Caves, Helen Prince, Deloris Griffin, Judy Rivers, and countless others who became family through the years. Though our hearts are heavy with loss, we find comfort in knowing that Bernice's legacy of faith, love, service, resilience, and compassion will continue to live on through the many lives she touched. Her beautiful smile, elegant spirit, wise counsel, and loving heart will be deeply missed and forever remembered. 

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