AllenFrancisFrances Lee Ellis Allen, age 96, of Brownwood completed her earthly journey Tuesday, December 30, 2014, at Oak Ridge Manor with her family by her side.

Memorial Services for Frances will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 3, 2015, at First United Methodist Church with Dr. Don Scroggs officiating, private family burial held prior to memorial service. Those wishing to visit after the service are invited to gather in the Common Ground area for coffee and cookies.  Arrangements are under the direction of Blaylock Funeral Home.

Frances was born on July 1, 1918, to William Richard and Jimmie Kate (Dublin) Ellis in Brownwood, Texas.  She attended Brownwood schools and was involved in the Glee Club, Senior Play, and was a Cheerleader.  She graduated in 1935.  After high school, Frances attended Howard Payne College then transferred to The University of Texas, graduating in 1939 with a degree in Home Economics.  While at The University of Texas, she was a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority.  She taught for one year in DeLeon and also one year in Harlingen.

Frances married 1st Lieutenant Clark Roberds in 1942. He was declared missing in action as a bomber pilot in March of 1943 during World War II.  In 1946 she married John David Allen.  They lived in Brownwood and transferred to San Angelo in 1966, and returned to Brownwood after retirement in 1986. They spent much of their retirement traveling.  He passed away in 1999.

Frances was a long-time member of First United Methodist.  She was a Sunday school teacher, a member of the W.S.C.S. and United Methodist Women and held offices in both; she was a member of the Peggy Boone Sunday school class.  Frances was also involved in many committees, including:  the Junior Twentieth Century Club, Pink Ladies, P.E.O. and several bridge clubs.

Frances leaves behind to cherish her memory four children, John D. Allen III, Thomas Ray Allen and wife Ann, William Ellis Allen and wife Deborah, and Katherine Lee Ellebracht and husband Ben; eight grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; and brother-in-law, Raymond Franks.  She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John David Allen; parents; brother, William R. Ellis, Jr.; and sister, Ann Elizabeth Franks.

Online condolences for the family are welcome at www.blaylockfuneralhome.com.  Memorials can be made to First United Methodist Church, FUMC Choir, or to your favorite charity.