Belle Byrd Allen

Belle Byrd Allen, born September 26, 1933, to the late William Alonzo and Nellie Rose Phillips, died in her home May 27 surrounded by family. Allen was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend, who offered her love, time, gifts, and presence generously. Whatever she was doing, Belle touched the lives of those around her in a positive way. A natural born leader, she always was there to assist, to encourage, and most of all, to set an example.

A native of Johnston County, Belle graduated from Clayton High School in 1950. Upon graduation, Belle went to work while continuing to take various continuing education courses. She worked as a bookkeeper and served six years as Executive Secretary of the Clayton Merchants Association, which functioned as both a chamber of commerce and credit bureau. Her positive impact grew exponentially through the Association.

Belle Allen next worked as secretary-treasurer with the Johnston County Schools System, serving Clayton Elementary, Cooper Junior High, and Clayton Middle School for 26 years. Through her presence in the school’s front office, she interacted with faculty, parents, and students, always showing kindness and offering a listening ear.

Allen’s life was marked by servanthood. She was active in educational, civic, and political affairs, but first and foremost, Belle loved her Lord. Her faithful service and involvement at First Baptist Church Clayton was an extension of her love for God and God’s people. A member for over 78 years, Allen served as a deacon, long-time Sunday School teacher, member of the Chancel Choir, and in the Women’s Missionary Union, as well as a member and often chair of several church committees. Music was an important part of Belle’s life, and she shared her gifts singing in the Chancel Choir for over 72 years. Civically, Belle was a past president of the Johnston County Democratic Women and officer of the State Democratic Women and State Democratic Party. She was a long-time member and officer of the Board of Trustees of the Hocutt Ellington Memorial Library in Clayton and was a past president of the Felicia Book Club. She was active in the Clayton Woman’s Club and served as Chaplain and as Chairman of the Education Department. She long served on the Johnston County Heritage Commission and the Johnston Community College Foundation Board, as well as the On-Stage Concert Series.

Many organizations have recognized Belle’s commitment to service through the years. She was a former Clayton Citizen of the Year, an Educational Office Professional of the Year, and the recipient of the first Johnston County Democratic Women’s Lacy Ruth Coates Award for Outstanding Citizenship. Governor Jim Hunt named Belle to the Order of the Long Leaf Pine for providing extraordinary service to the state of North Carolina and her community.

Belle loved her family dearly and delighted in spending time with her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was very proud of her family and their accomplishments and welcomed every opportunity to share that pride. Additionally, Belle loved her friends. She always was willing to host them, talk with them, pray with them, and share life with them. Love is what motivated Belle to be the person she was – love of God, love of family, love of friends, and love of others.

Surviving is her daughter Gwen A. Canady and husband, Steve, and son, Rudolph F. Allen, Jr. and Jennifer and Shane; grandchildren James Allen Canady, wife Elizabeth, of Morehead City; Stephanie Canady Parker, husband, Jake, of Clayton; and Alexandria Allen and Daniel of New Bern; nine great-grandchildren: Reese Allen, Sadie Cora, Rosa Caroline, Nellie Pearl, Eliza James, and Jac Faircloth Canady, as well as Bennett Alan Moore, all of Morehead City, and Belle Frances and Annie James Parker of Clayton; sister Jean Byrd Lee of Clayton, and brother Charles Byrd, wife Faye, of Carthage. A number of cousins, nieces, and nephews also survive. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her “sweetheart” Rudolph, husband of 67 years and daughter-in-law Terri Allen.

A memorial service will be held at First Baptist Church Clayton on Thursday, June 1 at 11:00 A.M. with visitation preceding at 9:30 A.M. in the Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts are suggested to the First Baptist Church Clayton General Fund, The Hocutt-Ellington Memorial Library, The Johnston County Heritage Center, or The Johnston Community College Foundation.