Memorial trees planted for:

Shirley Jean Allen

Shirley Jean Allen was born on May 3, 1944, in Stem, NC, the 7th of 12 children to Thomas and Mary Willie Cooper Allen. She was baptized and was a member of Oak Grove Baptist Church in Oxford, NC. Shirley’s family grew up on a farm in NC. As a young child, she learned how to work hard, yet she wanted a better life with more opportunities. Therefore, she resolved to get a good education. After graduating from G.C Hawley High School in Creedmoor, North Carolina in 1962, she earned a bachelor’s degree from North Carolina Central in Durham, North Carolina in 1966. After graduating college, Shirley moved to Boston, Massachusetts, where she and her former husband, Francis (“Frankie”) Gonsalves raised two children, Mark and Nina. In 1974, Shirley began working in the Boston Public School System at Robert Gould Shaw Middle School as a Spanish and French teacher. Because of her leadership skills, she received the responsibility of providing academic and behavioral support to teachers and served as the Instructional Support teacher. She decided to further her education and received her master’s degree in education from Boston State College in 1981. In 1990, Shirley went to James P. Timilty Middle School to serve as Assistant Principal and instructional leader and later became principal. She later served as principal of R.G. Shaw Middle School and then of Mildred Avenue Middle School. As principal at Mildred Avenue Middle School, she rose to the challenge of leading a larger student body and staff and created a school rooted in student success. In 2006, after 32 years of service in the Boston School System, Shirley retired. Many who worked with her lauded her mentorship and guidance. When Shirley’s health began to decline, in 2023 she relocated to the Sky Bridge Assisted Living facility in Largo Maryland to live closer to one of her sisters. Shirley peacefully transitioned to be with the Lord on December 27, 2024. A devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, mentor and friend, Shirley was always generous to everyone in need. She loved talking to her family and friends, spending hours on the phone catching up. An avid quilter, she sewed many beautiful quilts. She especially enjoyed attending her grandson’s soccer games and other activities. She also enjoyed reading and taking care of her home and yard. Shirley leaves to cherish her memory, her children, Mark and Nina Gonsalves, and her grandson Kenneith Jones, III of Hyde Park, MA; four sisters, Lucy Sanford (John) of Butner, NC, Minnie Vinson of Lancaster, PA, Virginia Ruffin of York, PA and Geraldine June (Franklin) of Mitchellville, MD; two brothers, Thomas Allen, Jr. (Helen) of Brodnax, VA, and Bobby Allen of Oxford, NC; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by brothers, James Edward Allen, Neal Lawrence Allen, William Allen, and Archie Allen; and a sister Willie Bea Allen Thorpe (Willie Jr.).

May 3, 1944 - December 27, 2024

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Shirley Jean Allen

7 Trees have been planted in memory of Shirley Allen.

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Memorial Trees

Joyce Faulcon Anderson, G.C.Hawley High School, Class, 1962

January 11, 2025

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Shirley Jean Allen has been arranged by Joyce Faulcon Anderson, G.C.Hawley High School, Class, 1962. Plant a tree

With deepest sympathy for the loss of a treasured high school classmate and a friend who was an excellent student.

Your niece, Nikki Gonsalves Soares and family

January 10, 2025

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Shirley Jean Allen has been arranged by Your niece, Nikki Gonsalves Soares and family. Plant a tree

Rest in peace Aunty Shirley. Your bright light remains in our hearts.

Carol McMillan

January 10, 2025

The planting of 3 memorial trees in the honor of Shirley Jean Allen has been arranged by Carol McMillan. Plant a tree

May the breath of life that you breathed into so many people continue to nourish the world. Love your friend

Leslie Gant and Maria Madrona

January 09, 2025

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Shirley Jean Allen has been arranged by Leslie Gant and Maria Madrona. Plant a tree

In memory of a life well lived. Shirley you leave a beautiful legacy for us all!

The Taylors (Sandra, Albert and Nigel)

January 07, 2025

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Shirley Jean Allen has been arranged by The Taylors (Sandra, Albert and Nigel). Plant a tree

We will miss "Shirley Jean Allen". Your light will always shine in our hearts.