Mrs. Kathleen Louise Brantley Allen, 96, a resident of Aurora, passed away peacefully Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018. Kathleen was born July 14, 1922, to the late Ida Edwards Brantley and Robert Lee Brantley in Beaufort County. Kathleen married David Earl Allen on May 29, 1942, who preceded her in death. She was a member of Edward Christian Church and was a retired beautician. Other memberships included Eastern Star, Ladies Aid Society of the Church, Baptist’s Women’s Association, N.C. Hairdresser’s Association, American Legion Auxiliary, Richlands Senior Association of Aurora and the Rural Mail Carriers Auxiliary.

Kathleen leaves to cherish her memory her son, David Allen, Jr., of Chapel Hill; daughters, Karen Garris and husband Don, of Goldsboro; Ronda Lewis and husband Freddie, of Hobucken; grandchildren, Freddie Lewis Jr (Ghersal), Charles Allen Midyette (Karen), Randy Overton, Donell Garris (Veronica), Maryanne Garris Stabler (Jon); and great-grandchildren, Miranda Lewis, Kylie Midyette, Piper Midyette, Reagan Overton, Riley Overton, Madilynn Garris and Josie Garris, great-great grandchildren, Mykayla Gualtieri and Brantley Gualtieri, as well as a large, extended family. In addition to her parents and husband, she was also predeceased by her daughter, Carmen Allen Potter, granddaughter Penelope Lewis Autry, grandson Bryan Midyette III and her 16 siblings.

Kathleen was known for her love of family and community. She enjoyed the friendships and visits of many. She loved to tell stories and jokes. She traveled at every opportunity, to see family and friends. Though she was legally blind, she was always active; sewing or quilting, even up to her passing. Her favorite hobby was her creation of her “baby doll” collection, which numbered over 2,500. She restored most, by sewing the clothes and “doing the hair” of many orphaned dolls that were found in yard sales or given to her to be restored. Her collection was featured in several publications, including most recently in Washington Magazine, November/December 2017.

Once you were in Kathleen’s life, you remained there forever. That list is long and includes Ann Cayton, and Janet Talton.

Special “Thank you” to her caregivers: Angela Anderson, Karen Bailey, Nancy Rhoden and Ghersal Lewis. Also to the wonderful staff at Pamlico Pharmacy with special attention to Maurice and pharmacist Ms. Holly.

A celebration of Kathleen’s Life will be 3 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018, in Edward Christian Church, 23 Academy St., Edward, NC 27821. Please also join us for a visitation and lunch from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m., prior to the service. Pastor David Linton is officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Edward Christian Church, or the Aurora Rescue Squad 99, N.C. Highway 33, Aurora, NC 27806. Post condolences on www.hillsidefunerals.com.