Willow Dean Esther Allen's Obituary
Our Matriarch! Willow Dean Esther Bass Allen was born December 13, 1934 to the late Will and Hattie (Parker) Bass in Smith Horatio, Arkansas. She grew up a member of the United Methodist Church in Horatio, Arkansas. Willow Dean attended Lincoln High School in Locksburg, Arkansas and graduated in 1953. She was quite the athlete, Dean played basketball starting as the center. Their team won the state championship in 1953. Dean moved to Muskegon after high school graduation to live with her brother, Orville Bass. She joined Queen Esther Missionary Baptist Church in 1955 and she sang in the choir. Dean met the love of her life, Bernie Allen, in 1957 and they married December 3, 1958. To their union were 3 children: Cornell (Barbara) Allen, Pamela (Anton) Bates both of Muskegon, and Pastor Gary (Linda) Allen of Fayettville, NC. They had one adopted son, Pastor Samuel (Judy) Greer. Our Matriarch will be greatly missed by her siblings: Bobbie Bass of Goldsboro, NC, Mitchell Bass of Dallas, TX, Joe Bass of Muskegon, MI and one sister-in-law, Carolyn Bass of Muskegon, MI. Dean also leaves to mourn her loss grandchildren and great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews; her cousins; other family members as well as friends. Dean worked for over 30 years for the Muskegon Heights School System which she retired from. Dean was preceded in death by her parents, Will and Hattie Bass; her brother, Nobie (Ellen) Bass; Millard (Wilhelmina) Bass; Orville (Ethel) Bass, PearlieMae Mallory, and Pastor Isaac Bass and 3 nephews and 1 great nephew. A Funeral Service will be held 11:00 AM Wednesday, June 19, 2024 at Queen Esther Missionary Baptist Church, 2220 Superior Street, Muskegon Heights, MI 49444, with Pastor Samuel Greer presiding. Visitation will be held at the church 10:30-11:00 AM prior to the service. Interment will take place at Sunrise Memorial Gardens. Memorial Contributions may be directed to Queen Esther Missionary Baptist Church. Arrangements handled by The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St, Norton Shores, MI 49444. Sign the online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com
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