"I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13

Judith Horton Allen-beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend, mentor & evangelist – known as "Ju-Ju," was born in Dallas, Texas, to Kenneth (Tobe) Weldon & Mary Elizabeth (Von Tress) Horton. Raised in a loving Christian home, Judy was taught from a young age to love the Lord & serve others. Her family owned a restaurant on Exposition in Dallas near the entrance to the State Fair of Texas, she was raised around the cafe "joint"-soaking in the spirit of service & hospitality that shaped who she was.

Judy graduated from W.W. Samuel High School in 1963, it was home economics class that shaped her ability to sew, design & become an accomplished seamstress. During her senior year, she met Richard at Big Town Mall where she worked at a flower shop. He proceeded to buy a flower, then gave it to her. They fell in love over milkshakes, onion rings & movies at the Palace & Majestic theaters downtown. After their first date, Judy invited Richard to Young Life, services at Berean Bible Church & evening worship at First Baptist Dallas, where they sat under the teaching of Dr. W.A. Criswell-a preacher Judy admired. She was instrumental in leading him into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Upon engagement, her hearts desire was a brand-new Singer sewing machine instead of a diamond ring. Richard gave her a plain gold wedding band & the finest sewing machine available, it became a tool for ministry, relationships, creativity & love. She created countless prom dresses, wedding gowns, costumes, designer drapes & pillows. If you could dream it, Ju-Ju could sew it.

Judy learned to ride horses at Richard's family farm in Greenville & she fell in love with a Palomino horse named King. She was fearless on & off a horse, could shoot & field dress a deer in record time, of course with full makeup & lipstick.

Richard & Judy shared 63 years of marriage & what a life it was. Dedicating her life to Scripture memory, sharing the gospel & discipleship, these were pillars for raising 3 children. She also instructed her 11 grandchildren to love Jesus, that the Bible was their guide. She made each child & grandchild feel uniquely cherished, showed up for every recital, rodeo, birthday, ballgame & graduation, celebrating every milestone.

Ju-Ju was the queen of hospitality. She could host & feed large numbers for Reinhardt Bible Church youth group, wedding/baby showers & family holidays effortlessly. Her cooking was heartfelt – famous Von Tress cafe chili, homemade apple pie, Ma's cornbread dressing & smothered venison backstrap to name a few…. rarely using a recipe. She loved the State Fair & insisted on Fletcher's Corny Dog each visit. At the age of 60, Ju-Ju trained & rain with Kassi, the New York City Marathon. This was a testament to her strength & grit. Her children & posse of friends joined her at the finish line.

She loved music-especially songs from hymn books, CEF gospel childrens's music like "The Gospel Fuzzies" & mHollywood Classic Musicals from the 40's like "Yankee Doodle Dandy" & "Gone with the Wind." She hosted Good News Clubs from her living room where countless neighborhood children came to saving faith in Jesus as their Savior. Her heart for evangelism was clear & unapologetic. She would ask people everywhere, "If you died tonight, would you go to heaven?" & proceed to tell them, "Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ & you will be saved." Acts 16:31. l

She is survived by her devoted husband of 63 years, Thomas Richard "Ricky- Rich" Allen; son Thomas Kirk Allen & Allison Allen; daughter Kelli Lovell & her husband Alan; daughter Kassi Patterson & her husband Keating; grandchildren Lacie Lovell Wafford, Angel Lovell Owens, ClaraMae Lovell Murrah, Scarlett Patterson, Tippit Patterson, Vivian Mae Patterson, Hollis Patterson, Lydia Blue Patterson, Toby Patterson & great-grandchildren Ryder Owens, Rhett Owens, Rass Owens, Paisley Grace Wafford, Tinley Wafford, Wesley Wafford. She is preceded in death by her grandson Rainey Alan Lovell.

Just weeks before Ju-Ju's passing, tragedy struck the family when her beloved grandson, Rainey Lovell, passed away at just 22 years old. It was a heartbreak beyond words, & she felt the weight of that loss deeply. Wouldn't that be just like Ju-Ju, leaving for heaven to be with her precious "Peanut Cracker Jack." Philippians 1:21 "To live is Christ, to die is gain."

Juju's legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew her. Her life was a song of praise, a work of art & a testimony to what it means to be a faithful servant of the Lord. She faithfully memorized & lived out the Bible.

In her final moments with her fight with dementia, Ju-Ju was right where she wanted to be-in the arms of her beloved husband Richard. A life well-lived. A race well-run. "Well done, thou good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of thy master." Matthew 25:23.