Theresa E. Allen's Obituary
Theresa Earline Allen, affectionately known as Mom, Grandma, and Auntie Theresa,
peacefully departed from this world on September 27th, 2024, surrounded and
comforted by family at the young age of 96. Born in Coffeeville, Kansas on June 3rd,
1928 as the third child of parents Earl Sr. and Blanche Green, Theresa radiated
maternalistic, empathetic, and caring qualities from an early age.
A beacon of comfort, Theresa was viewed as a wise and thoughtful figure all her life,
prompting both family and friends to look to her for various forms of guidance. Due to
her easy-going and down-to-earth attitude, making friends came naturally to her. People
gravitated toward her warm personality and capacity for understanding others. Both
gentle and strong, Theresa showed determination at the sight of hardship, believed
wholeheartedly in forgiving others, never held grudges, and was never afraid to stand
up for whom and what she believed in.
After taking a break from college to work, Theresa attended Grant Technical College to
pursue a degree in dentistry. However, advice from a school counselor shifted her path
and interest toward the pharmaceutical field, where she excelled in her classes.
Eventually, she transferred to UC Berkeley and obtained her Doctorate of Pharmacy.
Among her professional endeavors was her decades-long career working as a
pharmacist at Thrifty’s, marking her in history as Sacramento’s first black female
pharmacist.
Theresa displayed an unwavering faith in God, practicing such faith by being an active
member of the Calvary Lutheran Church and the Ascension Lutheran Church. She
made many friends who loved to catch up with her after each service. She put each
lesson she was taught to practice daily.
She will be forever missed by her daughter, Stephanie Lewis, granddaughter, Gianna
Allen, and her brother, Stephenson Green (Kay), as well as all of her nieces and
nephews. She was preceded in eternity by her parents, Earl Sr. and Blanche Green; her
former husband, Rufus Allen; her sisters, Jerri Thompson (Walt Sr.), Doris Jackson
(Nate), and Joan White (Linc), and her brother Earl Green Jr. (Inge).
Theresa will forever be remembered as one of the kindest souls to grace this earth. Her
acceptance of the end of her journey, as well as her exuberance for and appreciation of
life, will continue to inspire all who knew her
What’s your fondest memory of Theresa?
What’s a lesson you learned from Theresa?
Share a story where Theresa's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Theresa you’ll never forget.
How did Theresa make you smile?
