Evelyn Frances Ward Allen, 76, of Diamondhead, Mississippi, passed away peacefully at her home on August 12, 2026.

Born in Dyess, Arkansas, Frances lived a life characterized by faith, service, creativity, and a deep commitment to education. She devoted more than four decades to shaping the lives of young people, touching thousands of students and colleagues through her wisdom, encouragement, and unwavering dedication.

Frances graduated from Lepanto High School in Lepanto, Arkansas, in 1968 with highest honors. Even at a young age, she distinguished herself as a scholar and leader, serving as editor of the school yearbook, Girl's State Delegate, Homecoming Maid, Citizen of the Year, and recipient of the DAR Citizenship Award. She continued her education at Mississippi State University, earning a Bachelor of Education degree in 1972 and a Master of Education degree in 1976.

Her professional career spanned 40 years as a teacher and educational leader in middle schools, high schools, and vocational-technical programs. Throughout her career, she served students in Ackerman, Starkville, West Point, and Columbus, Mississippi; Lepanto and Fort Smith, Arkansas; Columbus, Georgia; and Evansville, Indiana.

One of Frances's most notable accomplishments came while teaching in West Point, Mississippi, where she was selected to implement Mississippi's newly established Diversified Technology program. The innovative vocational curriculum introduced students to emerging technologies, computers, and manufacturing equipment, helping prepare them for future careers. Her success in the program earned her the distinction of West Point Teacher of the Year in 1988.

Frances also played a key role in establishing the Academic Achievement Banquet, an annual event designed to recognize students for their academic progress and accomplishments. The program became a cherished tradition, and she was honored to be invited back for its 25th anniversary celebration.

During her 39th year in education, Frances served as administrator of a special after-school enrichment program that expanded opportunities and experiences for middle school students. Her leadership and dedication resulted in the award of the 2010-2011 Teacher of the Year for the Columbus Municipal School District.

Outside the classroom, Frances was exceptionally talented and creative. She was an accomplished seamstress and enjoyed needlepoint, stained-glass design, framing treasured family photographs and keepsakes, and creating beautiful displays for her home. She was an enthusiastic supporter of Mississippi State Baseball, enjoyed traveling throughout the United States on guided bus tours, and treasured time spent playing cards and dice games with friends.

Frances also enjoyed collecting Mayfair pink depression glass, a passion inspired by her beloved aunt, and amassed a cherished collection of Polish pottery that she proudly displayed and used. She was a wonderful cook whose chicken pot pie and pork chop casserole became family favorites. Above all, she found her greatest joy in raising her two sons and spending time with those she loved.

A devoted Christian, Frances was a faithful member of several Methodist churches throughout her life and served as a youth teacher at Central United Methodist Church. Her faith guided her actions, her relationships, and her lifelong commitment to serving others.

Frances was preceded in death by her father, Travis Gifford Ward (1982); her mother, Mary Josephine Mitchell Ward (2017); her father-in-law, Otis Wilmuth Allen, Sr. (1981); and her mother-in-law, Helen Tucker Farris Allen (2015).

She is survived by her beloved husband of 54 years, Otis Wilmuth Allen, Jr., of Diamondhead, Mississippi; her sons, Peterson Linzey Allen of Waveland, Mississippi, and Gerald Thomas Allen and his wife, Shea Staskowski Allen, of Birmingham, Alabama; and her cherished granddaughter, Helen Miriam Allen of Birmingham, Alabama.

She is also survived by her sister, Sandra Ward Chapman and husband John L. Chapman of Elberta, Alabama; her brother, Robert Mitchell Ward of Dyess, Arkansas; sister-in-law Alice Tucker Allen of Cross City, Florida; sister-in-law Rebecca Cary Allen Farris and husband Jimmy Farris of Morton, Mississippi; sister-in-law Helen Gay Allen Redditt of Sidon, Mississippi; brother-in-law James Fredrick Allen and wife Melinda Burton Allen of Greenwood, Mississippi; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, former students, colleagues, and dear friends.

Frances will be remembered for her intelligence, kindness, creativity, faith, and dedication to education. Her legacy lives on in the countless students whose lives she influenced, the family she cherished, and the many friends who were blessed by her presence. She leaves behind a lifetime of memories and a lasting example of service, excellence, and love.

Funeral services will be held Friday, September 11, 2026, at Delta Funeral Home, Visitation will be from 9:00 ~ 11:00 a.m., followed by a brief service.  A procession to Odd Fellows Cemetery, 1635 Carrollton Avenue, Greenwood, MS will follow.

Riemann Family Funeral Homes, 9113 Kiln Delisle Road, Pass Christian, is honored to serve the Allen family.