Gerald Marvin Allen

Gerald Marvin Allen peacefully passed away at home on Sunday, February 16, 2025, in Dallas, Texas, at the age of 83. Born in Dallas on August 1, 1941, he graduated from W.W. Samuell High School in 1959. Subsequently, Gerald was committed to serving his country as a Marine in the Marine Corps Reserve.

Gerald joined Mary Kay Ash as her eponymous company’s first of a few employees where he worked his way up from warehouse manager to CEO of Mary Kay Cosmetics International Division, before retiring in 1995. It was at Mary Kay Cosmetics that Gerald thrived, introducing the Mary Kay brand to multiple international markets. He considered his success at Mary Kay Cosmetics to be one of his greatest achievements.

In addition, during his younger years, Gerald was committed to serving his country as a Marine in the Marine Corps Reserve.

Gerald’s passion for global travel coincided with his burgeoning international professional career. He enjoyed spending time at his vacation homes, from Beaver Creek, Colorado to his ranch in Nocona, Texas and most recently, Mazatlán in Mexico. Many favorite travel destinations included much-loved leisure activities such as golfing and fishing.

Gerald’s enthusiasm for the Dallas Cowboys and the Texas Rangers knew no bounds. He was a regular season ticket holder for both sporting teams and looked forward to attending home games. For away games, Gerald was fond of cheering his teams on during televised broadcasts. His competitive spirit was also present as he regularly enjoyed playing cards and golfing with his lifelong friends at Bent Tree Country Club where he was a founding member.

Gerald could often be found in the kitchen and shared his creations such as jams, peanut brittle and other desserts with friends. His enthusiasm for others was also evident in his charitable gifts for children via St. Jude’s Research Hospital and Shriners'.

Gerald is lovingly remembered by his daughters, Nicki Allen (55) and Mandy Alexander (51), and his beloved grandson, Thomas Conrad Alexander, III (12). He is preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Alene Allen, his sisters Eugenia and Barbara Ann, and survived by his younger brother Stephen Allen. Gerald’s indomitable spirit and humorous wit will be missed by those whose lives he touched.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, Memorial Giving, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105.

https://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR/Memorials/Memorials?px=8725188&pg=personal&fr_id=154020