Wanda Templeton Allen

Wanda Templeton Allen passed away Thursday, April 30, 2020, at her home in Ruston.

She was born Feb.14, 1931 to Abraham and Mary Linney Templeton in Huttig, AR.

She was a graduate of Baskin High School where she played basketball for the team that held the national record for 40 years for an undefeated streak. She had so many fond memories of those days.

She graduated from Louisiana Tech University with a degree in English and Physical Education.

She married Bruce Allen, who was her rock and solid foundation, in 1952. Together, they had two children, Randy and Susan.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her siblings Richard Templeton (Nona), Peggie Thompson (Carl), Barbara Murray (Jack), and Jack Templeton (Charlene). She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Bruce Allen; son John Randal Allen and wife Vicki; daughter Susan Allen Tripp and husband Jimmie; grandchildren Jennifer Allen, Nick Lee, Mike Lee, and Daniel Lee (Melissa Leehy); great grandchildren Jackson Lee, Austin Lee, Parker Lee, and Emmaline Lee; siblings Helen Douciere, Jerry Templeton (Barbara), Elaine Duke, and Jon Templeton (Mary Gay).

Her family was her whole world. She took care of all of us and loved us fiercely. We never doubted her devotion and we will miss her tremendously. She was our Mom, our Wanda, our Grandma Wanda, our Wanda Woman, and she gently held our hearts in her hands.

A private graveside service will be held at Forest Lawn Cemetery with Brother Paul Watts officiating.

Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. The family requests that any planned memorials be sent to Emmanuel Baptist Church, 1200 Farmerville Hwy., Ruston, LA 71270, or to St. Jude Children’s Research