Allie Merle McLeroy

Allie was born on March 16, 1922 in Overton, Texas to Robert and Bernice Gramling; eldest and last surviving of 9 brothers and sisters. While attending Kilgore Junior College (KJC) she excelled academically and was a charter member of the Kilgore Rangerettes under the tutelage of Gussie Nell Davis. Also at KJC she met Stan, who previously spotted her while sitting in the stands with her brothers during her Valedictorian speech from London High School. Allie followed KJC to Baylor University where she graduated in nutrition sciences, becoming a Registered Dietician. She proudly served at Providence Hospital designing meals for professional staff and patients in Waco upon graduation and until Stan returned from WWII as a Major in the Army Air Corps over China-Burma-India

Allie and Stan married in 1946 then moved to Chicago, IL, where Stan attended Optometry School and Allie transcribed notes at the Argonne National Labs (during the Manhattan Project years). Sandra, the first of three daughters was born in Chicago just before leaving Chicago for Houston where Sheila was born. In Houston, Allie and Stan started their lifelong Baptist leadership by helping to start the River Oaks Baptist Church. The family had three more moves as Stan opened optometry practices for TSO, including Tyler, where Priscilla was born, Wichita Falls, Dallas and then Texarkana. Their leadership in faith easily showed as leadership in business, with long time employees working alongside them from start in 1962 to retirement in 1993.

At First Baptist “Downtown” Allie began teaching preschool and first grade Sunday School when her daughters were young, and did not stop for 50 years! As in business, her teachers worked together during this period and formed unbreakable friendships. Allie was also a Bible Study Fellowship Leader for many years where she met amazing women from all faiths. Allie was definitely a “doer”. During the mid-‘70s, Allie graduated from Texas A&M-Commerce (formerly East Texas University at Commerce) with a Masters in Education, then worked as a loved Counselor at Pleasant Grove Middle School. She also was a member of the Azalea Garden Club and proud member of the DAR.

As a devoted mother, Allie watched her daughters become successful as well: Sandra - Clinical Trials Research, Sheila —early childhood and piano teacher, Priscilla— engineer and professor. This success was due to Allie and Stan’s support and encouragement for professional and personal success. Their love and support grew as the family grew to include spouses and grandsons: Cathy, Chuck, Brian and Stephen plus many dear nieces and nephews. (However, just because someone was in the family did not mean any mercy in cards or dominoes; especially if you were sitting to the right of Allie in Shanghai Rummy, including a grandson!)

Allie had such great support in her later years, which showed the wonderful friends she made throughout her life. Recently, Allie and her daughters appreciate the care from Dr. Jay Wright and his staff; Sitters, LLC, Kathryn (owner), Brana, Cheyenne; and Dierksen Hospice. Services are 3pm Sunday, February 24th, at First Baptist Church Moore’s Lane in the Atrium. Donations are suggested in lieu of flowers to either the Children’s Fund at First Baptist Church Moore’s Lane, 3015 Moores Ln, Texarkana, TX 75503, please ask that it be directed to The Childrens Fund in honor of Mrs. Allie McLeroy or Texas A&M – Texarkana, 7107 University Ave, Texarkana, TX 75503, online: http://secure.touchnet.com/C20339ustores/web/productdetail.jsp?PRODUCTID=63.

Please make the Honorarium/Memorial Donations gift in honor of Allie McLeroy '75, to support Texas A&M University-Texarkana students. The donations can be applied toward a scholarship, a specific project or area, or the university's greatest need.

Funeral Service will be 3pm Sunday February 24, 2019 at First Baptist Church, Moores Lane in the Atrium with Rev. Larry Sims officiating. Burial will be in Hillcrest Memorial Park under the direction of East Funeral Home-Moores Lane.

Online tributes can be posted at www.eastfuneralhomes.com.