Today we celebrate the life of Maryland Kelly Allen. Maryland was born November 22, 1915 in Little Rock, Arkansas to William Luther and Ida Wroten Kelly. She departed this life on Sunday, February 5, 2012. She was preceded in death by her husband, Aldrich Charles Allen and her brothers, Herman W. and Horace G. Kelly. Maryland received her early education in the Little Rock Public Schools and graduated from Dunbar High School in 1934. She earned an Associate's Degree from Dunbar Junior College in Little Rock and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Home Economics from Philander Smith College. She later earned a Master's Degree from the University of Arkansas. In 1935, Maryland married Aldrich Charles Allen. They were married for 64 years, until his death in 1999. Two daughters were born to this union, Gail Therese and Marylyn Yvette. Pursuing her passion, Maryland taught elementary school for 31 years. She began her teaching career in Little Rock, Arkansas and then Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In 1959, she and her family moved to St. Louis where she taught in the public school system until her retirement in 1985. Maryland was initiated into Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. through the Gamma Gamma Chapter, Philander Smith College, on April 22, 1950. For the past ten years, Maryland has been a resident of Delmar Gardens of Creve Coeur. She loved Arts and Crafts, Bingo, "The Price is Right Game", and attending church services every Tuesday. Maryland leaves to mourn her passing: two daughters, Gail Therese Allen and Marylyn Yvette Allen; one beloved granddaughter, Stacy Maria Allen; one nephew, James Jeter III (Geneser); two lifelong friends, Adelene L. James of Fort Worth, Texas and Dorothy G. Martin of Los Angeles, California; and a host of other relatives and friends. This Online Memorial has been created to commemorate the life of Maryland Allen. You are invited to add a Tribute in her memory. Please click "Sign Guestbook" below to add your own memories, reflections, thoughts or condolences.