Obituary of Frances Lillian Collins Allen

Frances Allen entered heaven on Sunday, September 4, 2022 on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. So much love surrounded her from her family and friends here on Earth and from her family and friends waiting for her in heaven.

Frances was born to William Patrick and Mary Theresa Collins in Dahlgren, Illinois on April 25, 1936. She was the baby of the family with 3 older siblings; Bill, Eunice, and Floyd. Frances grew up a true farmer’s daughter, freckles and all.  She learned to work hard, and never grew out of it – even until her last breath.

Frances married Jack Lee Allen on the day after Christmas in 1955. Together, they were blessed with 5 children. A homemaker for 20 years, Frances helped each of her 5 children, no matter what age they needed her. Shawn, Lisa, Todd, Gregory, and Suzanne felt her support as she gave them the tools to fulfill their dreams. This confident, classy lady transformed herself from a homemaker to a successful business owner, and her family carries on her legacy today.

Frances was a woman who was in service of others – her church, her family, and those in need.  

For over 40 years, Frances was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Ada, Oklahoma, where she spent years of her stewardship serving in: The Legion of Mary, the prison ministry, the church finance committee, the caretaking of altar linens, and attended daily mass with her children when they were not yet old enough to attend school.  Frances was a devout Catholic with a level of patience and humility that is impossible to measure.

During her time on Earth, Frances lived in several states including her home state of Illinois, Connecticut, Wisconsin, Oklahoma and South Carolina.  Angels delivered her to her final destination where she will live with her Lord forever and ever.

Frances was a super cool aunt to her nieces and nephews. She leaves lots of fun memories of silly times. She was a friend to anyone who needed: a ride to church, a place to live, a meal, or even a manicure. Her 11 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren each have a little “Frances” in them.

Frances is survived by her children, Shawn and Nick Estes, Lisa and Brent Whitson, Todd and Teddy Allen, Gregory Allen, Suzanne and Tim Freisen, grandchildren Graham and Beth Woolley, Evan and Gwen Woolley, Tanner and Ashley Whitson, Carter and Katie Whitson, Collins and Mitchell Allen, London Ivory, Kirsten, Cam, Liz, and Kendall Freisen, and great grandchildren, Orin, Ivan, and Auden Woolley, Gavin Woolley, McKenlee and Landry Whitson, and Lally Freisen. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and their children who are honored to have had her in their life. 

Frances will be celebrated by her family and friends with a Funeral Mass and reception at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Piopolis, Illinois, on Friday, September 30th at 3 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to her favorite charity at: www.catholiccharitiesok.org.