She was raised within the Burk's Chapel community, where the original church was built by her great, great, great grandfather. Allene graduated from Hixson High School in 1968 and received her Bachelor's of Science/Art degree and Master's of English Language & Literature from Middle Tennessee State University. In later years, she pursued and completed a degree from Piedmont College to be an Education Specialist. Following her graduation from MTSU, she taught English/language arts, reading, mathematics (Algebra 1 & fundamentals), American & world history, English as a second language, writing in grades 7- 12, and college freshman English. During those years she taught not only day and summer school but also in the evening at a local Adult High School or in continuing education programs for Adult ESL or GED preparation and was the sole proprietor of a state-licensed childcare/pre-school that was located at the base of Big Ridge. Allene taught in three different states Tennessee, Texas, and Georgia. She spoke very fondly of her students that she had the opportunity to teach and had many "classroom stories" she would recall.
Many other accomplishments include Mother Advisor to Rainbow Girls, president of a business women's association, a local and state secretary of a national teacher's sorority, elected Tennessee Education Association state representative, and twice nominated teacher of the year.
Allene was brave, sought adventure, and had a life well lived. She once lived in Hawaii and spent three summers in Bangkok, climbed the Great Wall of China, seen the original Mona Lisa, met the King of Siam, watched Liberace play the grand piano, and saw many theatrical shows including The Phantom of the Opera and the King and I. You could say one would be envious of her escapades.
In her later years after she finally "retired", Allene enjoyed traveling and spending time with her family and friends. Often hosting out of town company at her house, grabbing lunch with her dear sister Charlotte and cousin Reecie, or cooking a new recipe for her family to try.
Allene was preceded in death by her parents, Herial and Gailey Bledsoe; and a sister, Laura Hall.
Surviving her are her sister, Charlotte (Roland) Parrott; brother Curtis (Joyce) Bledsoe; nephews Scott (Karen) Parrott, Sam (Alisha) Bledsoe, and Steven (Brandy) Hall; nieces Heather (Shane) Ritchie and Rachael (Chris) Wilson; and several great nieces and nephews and great, great nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 pm on Tuesday, Oct. 22 and from 2 to 4 pm on Wednesday at the North Chapel.
Services for Allene will follow at 4 pm on Wednesday at the North Chapel with Pastor Brian Burch and Rev. Tom Shoemate officiating.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com
Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343.
