Johnell Rush Allphin

“Do not neglect hospitality, for through it some have unknowingly entertained angels". Hebrews 13:2

A loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, peacefully passed away on Dec. 16, surrounded by her family. She was 91. Her visitation will be at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Witter Hall, starting at 1:00PM on Monday Dec. 23 followed by The Rite of Christian Burial at 3:00PM in Witter Hall, 8833 Goodwood Blvd.


She loved her family fiercely; left to cherish her memory; her devoted daughter and son-in-law Brookie Allphin-Smith and Kermit Smith, son and daughter-in-law Johnnie and Wanda Allphin, five granddaughters and spouses, to whom she was affectionately known as MeMe, Brenna Allphin-Smith Beckman (Chris Sr.), Brittany Allphin-Smith Attuso (Jason Sr.), Alissa Jenkins (Tanner), Lacey Anderson (Alex) and Mallory Burleigh (Hays), great grandchildren, August Perez V, Catherine Beckman, Brennan Lemoine, Haven Jenkins, James Anderson, Charlie JoAnn Anderson, Tate Jenkins, Jace Attuso (Lily), Noah Beckman, Chris Beckman Jr., the BRHS “Pills”, her faithful canine companion Sugar “Shuga” Allphin and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by in-laws John C. Allphin Sr., and Stella Allphin, her brother John P. Rush Jr. and wife Kathleen Rush, sister Hilda Jean Rush Ball, brother-in-law Dr. Ed Ball, mother Eugenia Pierce Rush, father John P. Rush Sr., and her husband John C. Allphin Jr. whom she married in 1952 and was the love of her life for sixty-years, their love story started at Buds Drive In and now continues in Heaven.

Honorary Pall Bearers will be, August Perez V, Jace Attuso, Brennan Lemoine, James Anderson, Tate Jenkins, and Jason Rush.

Mrs. Allphin was a graduate of Bolton High School in Alexandria, Louisiana and attended Louisiana State University where she was the Sweetheart of Sigma Chi, SGA Freshman Class Vice President, a LSU Darling, and a member of Kappa Delta Sorority.

Mrs. Allphin was an active member of St. Luke's Episcopal Church. She was a DH Holmes fashion model, a Jaycees Jane and served as their treasurer. She was a maid and founding member of Krewe of Achilles. Mrs. Allphin volunteered her time as a young woman to the BR General Pink Ladies Volunteer Auxiliary Organization, served as the SFCC Ladies Golf Association secretary and volunteered as the chairwoman of hostesses for the March of Dimes style shows and events. She was a Family Fued favorite appearing on the show with her family in 2006. Her joy in life was cooking Monday Night Dinners for her family for over 35 years and opening her home to friends. Mrs. Allphin was the queen of entertaining, from her epic New Years Eve parties, to her Bridge luncheons, to her numerous political and social luncheons she knew how to make memories, one party at a time. You are invited to wear your festive holiday attire to honor her glamorous style.

The family expresses their sincere thanks to The Rev. Dr. Bryan Owen, The Rev. Trish Tobure, Becky Willams and St. Luke’s Church and School, The Rev. Maggie Sullivan, and Dn. Reese Wiggins. The family is thankful for the wisdom and patience of her medical team including, Dr. Richard Lieux, Renique, Courtney, Dr. David Moll, Heather Welch, Dr. Carl Luikart, Dr. Michael McCarthy, Dr. Joseph Acosta, Dr. Kemp Tullier, Dr. Brian Griffith, Tammy Baugh, Dr. Bubba Peters, Dr. Geoffrey Peters, Dr. Mary Raven, and Dr. Emily Richard. The family is so thankful for the gentle care and comfort she received from Dr. Perry, PA Knight, and Nurse Chris of the OLOL HVI ICU, and Jennifer and Shelley with Pinnacle Hospice. The family also thanks Pat and Kenneth Williams for their years of service and support as her faithful caretakers.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the St. Luke’s Building Fire Fund or the John Allphin Leadership Scholarship Fund at St. Luke's Episcopal Church and School, 8833 Goodwood Blvd Baton Rouge, LA 70806.