Dr. Gloria White Allen

On Saturday, August 5th, 2023, Dr. Gloria White-Allen, accomplished pastor, therapist, wife, mother, and grandmother passed away at 71 years old after years of battling with cancer. Dr. White-Allen's profound contributions in Christian ministry and family and marriage therapy touched countless lives across the United States, leaving an unforgettable mark that will forever resonate with the lives she enriched.

Born in Newark, New Jersey on August 9th, 1951, to Herman White and Helen Land, proud, resilient, and strong parents, Dr. Gloria White-Allen emerged as the ninth of ten siblings. Her birth coincided with the dawning of the Civil Rights Movement, a period of transformative change, and her formative years unfolded in the lead-up to the Newark Riots of 1967. Driven by an unwavering thirst for knowledge and academic excellence, she thrived within Newark's educational landscape, flourishing at 14th Avenue Elementary School before her graduation from Weequahic High School. In her youth, her academic journey culminated with admission to the esteemed Lincoln University, a Historical Black College and University, where she studied and graduated with a Psychology degree.

In her professional career, she rose from a bank teller to the Manager of several different banking institutions, was employed by the Newark Board of Education in an administrative position for many years and worked in a managerial position for Chubb a Fortune 500 company. While achieving many of these positions, she was simultaneously shouldering the responsibilities of being a devoted single mother while also caring for both of her parents.

Her true calling, however, beckoned her toward a dual mission of pastoral leadership and therapeutic guidance. With relentless resolve and an unyielding work ethic, she pursued her dreams amidst the juggling act of parenting, full-time employment, and very active church engagement. Well into her adulthood, she would return to school taking just one class a semester until she would eventually achieve her Master of Divinity from New Brunswick Theological Seminary, which was then followed by earning her Doctor of Ministry from Eastern University—both degrees were earned with distinction. She would then continue her post-doctoral studies at Seton Hall University and attain her certification as a Life Coach.

While her ministry was rooted in the sacred, its impact transcended the confines of the church. Ordained by the respected Bishop Milton A. Hobbs of the Faith Temple New Hope Church in East Orange, NJ, her journey of spiritual leadership unfolded across diverse congregations, including the Calvary Baptist Church in Plainfield, NJ, Union Baptist Church in Montclair, NJ, First Baptist Church of Long Branch, NJ, Bethany Baptist Church of Newark, NJ, Second Baptist Church of Asbury Park, NJ, and others. Her commitment extended beyond the pulpit, as she also assumed leadership of the American Baptist Women In Ministry for ABCUSA. Known for her very direct communication style, Dr. White-Allen carried her spiritual assignment and message with her everywhere, from prisons and hospitals to cruise ships and supermarkets. She was a living vessel of the spirit of God. A forever proud Newark native, she returned to her roots and etched her name into history as the first female pastor of the over 100 yr-old Mount Zion Baptist Church of Newark, NJ.

In her roles as a wife, mother, sister, and friend, Dr. Gloria White-Allen made a lasting impact. Her legacy lives on through her family: her husband, William, her daughter, Lesleigh, her son, Alistair, her son-in-law, Wesley, and her three grandchildren, Alexandria, Amaya Joi (AJ), and Aundrea. She was preceded in death by two of her brothers: Herman (Romi) and Albert. However, her influence and loss are felt amongst her remaining siblings Vincent White (Queenie), Jeanette Bethea (Edward), Arlene Pile (Claude, deceased), Adele White Eutsey (Jack, deceased) Marion Williams (George), Claire Alexander and Celeste Ricks (William) as well as the countless friends, family members, and communities she touched.

While in hospice care, Dr. White-Allen was asked by her son, “If you had any final advice to share, what would it be?” She responded:

“Be you. Be who you are. Live in your purpose. Live in your calling. And reduce your regrets as much as possible.”

As we remember Dr. Gloria White-Allen, we recognize her as a guiding light, inspiring us to be true to ourselves, relentlessly pursue our dreams, and to leave a positive impact on the world. Dr. Gloria White-Allen was not just a high-achieving superstar who’s light shined incredibly bright. She was so much more than that, and she will live on forever in our hearts!

A visitation for Gloria will be held Wednesday, August 16, 2023 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Bethel AME Church, 241 Hilton Avenue, Vauxhall, NJ 07088, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.McCrackenFuneralHome.com for the Allen family.