Rena Allen

Rena Shewmake Knight Allen, 99, a lifelong resident of the Coffeeville area, passed from this earthly life into eternity and the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on the morning of December 18, 2019. One of 13 children, she was born January 28, 1920 to John T. and Bessie Shewmake. A graduate of Coffeeville High School, she was a faithful member of the Union Grove Methodist Church, where she served in many capacities until it closed. After high school, she married Bill Knight and resided in the Union Grove community until his death. She would later marry the Rev. Jimmy Allen and left the area for two years but returned after his death. She lived with her niece, Barbara (Wilton) Bennett, until her homegoing.

She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Irvin Shewmake, Cora Dunagan, Marvin Shewmake, Gray Shewmake, Levon Shewmake, Marie Whisenhunt, Hollis Shewmake, two infants and husbands, Bill Knight and Jimmy Allen, Sr.

She is survived by stepson, Rev. Jimmy (Nita) Allen, Jr. and their three children and eight grandchildren; siblings, Lucille Dement, Peggy Bozar, James Shewmake and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. on Monday, December 23, 2019 at Lathan Funeral Home in Jackson with the Revs. Wilton Bennett and Jimmy Allen, Jr. officiating. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow the service at the Coffeeville Town Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Scott Shewmake, Ronald Shewmake, Gene Counselman, Josh Allen, Wayne Peoples and Neil Hamel.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Alabama United Methodist Children’s Home, 3140 Velda Court, Suite 100, Montgomery, AL 36106.

Condolences may be offered at www.lathanfuneralhome.com.