Christine Allen

The life of Christine Virginia Allen began on November 13, 1932, in Smackover, Arkansas, with her birth to the late Charley and Octie Tatum Goodwin. She was the oldest of four children. Her three siblings, Charlie Austin Goodwin, Hamp Smead Goodwin, and Hoover (Ham) Goodwin, preceded her in death.
 
Christine accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior early in life and joined Sweet Home Baptist Church, where she was an active member. She graduated from Smackover Training School in 1950. Christine married the late Henry Archer in 1953. Two children were born to that union. Christine eventually relocated to Oakland, California, in 1958 and married the late Booker T. Allen on March 23, 1963. Six children were born to that union. 
 
During her time in Oakland, she earned a living by working in the school cafeteria at an elementary school, where she was a blessing to many of the children who attended the school. Though she went through many struggles during her younger years, she was richly blessed by God, believed strongly in the Bible, and did not allow her circumstances to dampen her will to survive or lessen her faith in God. While in Oakland, she united with the New Jerusalem Baptist Church, where she remained an active member until she relocated to Smackover.
 
Christine relocated back to Smackover in 1978 when her parents became ill. She rejoined Sweet Home Baptist Church and remained an active and enthusiastic member until her health began to fail later in life. She also worked at Smackover Nursing Home for many years and was a blessing to the patients until her retirement.
 
Throughout her life, she was a happy, friendly person who was always willing to help anyone in need. She became well-known for baking cakes for family, friends, and events. People loved her recipes, and someone always wanted her to make a cake for them. She was never too busy to bake for anyone that would ask. She enjoyed cooking and always cooked enough to share with family and friends. 
 
Our beloved, Christine Allen, fell asleep in Jesus on September 26, 2023. She is survived by her children, Virginia Norman (William) of Waxahachie, Texas; Henry Archer (Shirley) of DeSoto, Texas; Clifford Allen of Los Angeles, California; Leroy Allen (Rebecca) of Jacksonville, Arkansas; Gracie Allen, Ardella Lee (Cleveland), and Patricia Mathis; all of Smackover, Arkansas, a sister-in law, Alta Mary Fields, a special son-in-law, John Mathis, Jr., a special friend and cousin, Mary Ann Goodwin, 11 grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, several nieces, and nephews, as well as a host of other relatives and friends who will all cherish the time they shared with her.