Helen Allen

Helen E. Allen, 91, of Moline, passed away, October 8, 2023, at UnityPoint Health Trinity Rock Island.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday October 20, 2023, at Tabernacle Baptist Church, Moline.  The visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Thursday October 19, 2023, at Esterdahl Mortuary & Crematory, Ltd., Moline. Additional visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the church. The burial will be at Rock Island National Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Tabernacle Baptist Church, Moline.

Helen was born on October 10, 1931, in Moline, the daughter of William Hardy Sr. and Helen Marguerite (Davis) McAdams. Helen began her education at Garfield Elementary School then attending John Deere Jr. High on to graduating from Moline High School in 1949. Upon completing High School with honors, Helen was offered a scholarship to Augustana College. Being newly engaged she opted to pursue her life with her Beau, Joe Allen whom she married June 25, 1950 and together they had five daughters and one son. They had been married for almost a lifetime of 73 years when Joe recently passed away on July 5, 2023.

Helen was previously employed as Youth Coordinator with NYC in Rock Island, IL assisting youth with employment. Shortly after, she was offered a position with the RI County Juvenile Probation Office, where she retired from twice, as she was asked to come back. Alongside her day job she spent most of her evenings as a seamstress and reupholstering furniture. Helen faithfully assisted a host of local organizations by creating costumes, directing plays, making dresses, and decorating. Two creations near and dear to her heart was the annual Tom Thumb Weddings and her PumpKids.

One thing Helen was passionate about outside of her family, sewing, volunteering and various singing groups such as the Harmonettes, and Marshallaires, was her Church, Tabernacle Baptist. She was a dedicated Mission member, Trustee, and recently inducted to the Mother Board, a true Pillar within her home Church. She was recognized over the years for her dedication and service to others as well as the community. Some of the organizations she was involved in include the Moline Women’s Civic Club, BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) of the QC, R.S.V.P. (Retired Senior Volunteer Program), and the MLK Active Senior Club.

Helen “E.” Allen epitomized a true Proverbs 31 Woman. A dedicated servant to God and without question to her family. She simply embodied a Christ like love towards anyone she met and will be greatly missed.

Survivors include her daughters, Stephanie, Saundra, Susan, Sheila and bonus daughter Kim Cooper; grandchildren, Corey (Elisa) Anders, Kendall (Tommy) Miles, Shawntelle Thornton, Ronald (Aretha) Edwards, Justin (CeCe) Edwards, Jordan and Jessica Edwards, Lateef and Kenya Allen-McDowell, Brittany (Phil) Lang, Cheyenne Banks, Dimitri, Richard and Rodney Cooper; a host of great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; brother, Rev. David McAdams; 1st cousins Elaine Chisholm and Gilbert Davis (Ida Jo) and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends who became adopted family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe; parents, William Sr. and Helen M.; son, Joseph; daughter, Sheiron; grandson, C.J.; beloved brother, William “Willie” McAdams; sister-in-laws, Charlotte and Rev. Juanita McAdams; and loving aunt and neighbor Marie Davis.

Memories may be shared on the tribute wall.