Francis LeRoy Allen, Jr.

Francis LeRoy Allen, Jr.
November 15, 1934 – March 31, 2021
 

Francis LeRoy Allen was born November 15, 1934 at Freemen’s Hospital, Washington, DC. His parents, Annie Evelyn Clark and Francis LeRoy Allen, Senior welcomed him to their home in Upper Marlboro Maryland.  The family moved to Capital Heights Maryland and finally to historic Fairmont Heights Maryland.  Francis was the eldest of 16 children.  He shared many memories of times with his family in rural Prince George’s County in 1940 and 1950.  There were good and bad times.  Most of all he had memories of a strong family that built character and a strong work ethic.  Francis talked about walking farm fields, playing in the creek, and long walks to school in harsh weather.  

He attended Ridgely Elementary School on Central Avenue in Capital Heights Maryland.  Francis graduated from Fairmont Heights High School in 1954.  While in high school he worked at Seat Pleasant Drug store delivering prescriptions.  After graduation, he worked at People’s Drug Store and several other local businesses.  Francis was one of the first African American workers at both stores.  He enjoyed socializing with his friends; many were lifelong relationships.  In 1957, he was drafted into the Army and was stationed at Fort Hood Texas.  President Dwight Eisenhower reduced the armed forces six month later and he received an honorable discharge.  After leaving the US Army, he was hired as one of the first African American workers Embassy Dairy.  Later, he was hired at M Loeb in Landover Maryland and he remained for many years until the company closed.  Francis enrolled in Prince George’s Community College to pursue a degree in Criminal Justice.  In the 1980s, he was hired by the DC Department of Corrections and was assigned to Lorton Reformatory until the facility closed.  He was transferred to the DC Correctional Facility DC General Campus.  His last detail was DC Department of Corrections Halfway House Northeast and remained there until he retired.  Francis received a Silver Star for Bravery for Unselfish Line of Heroism from the American Police Hall of Fame on May 10, 1990.  He was recognized for courage and bravery.

Francis met the love of his life, Lolita Mason while she was in high school.  Lolita pursued her nursing degree in 1957 at Providence Nursing School in Baltimore Maryland.  Francis drove countless miles to see his sweetheart.  They shared many memories.  Francis and Lolita married on June 4, 1959.  Lolita completed her BSN of Nursing degree from the University of Maryland and MA in Health Service Administration from George Washington University.  She worked at St Elizabeth’s Hospital for many years.  She later worked at the DC Correctional Treatment Facility.  After retirement, she started the Allen Butler Institute and trained substance abuse counselors in the District of Columbia.  They remained married until Lolita’s death, October 1999.  He did not remarry.  They have four children: Kim, Francis III, Wade and Donna.  They also have seven grandchildren: Wade, Taja (Brendan Romney}, Nina, Benjamin, Aolani, Khalil, and Kirpal.  Francis has three great-grandchildren: Sophia, Lucas, and Chloe (Taja’s children). Francis enjoyed family and was very proud of each of their accomplishments.  He enjoyed photographing his family and has hundreds of pictures of his children and grandchildren.   Francis also enjoyed music, sports, westerns, and good food.  In his youth he spent time dancing, attending cabarets, fishing, and having a ball. He loved Mohammed Ali and Joe Frazier. He enjoyed watching football and basketball.  His friends called him Big Al and a few called him Radio because he loved to talk. In his later years, he was happy to take a drive with his close friends or family.  

Francis health declined but it did not change his spirit.  He had a good mind and determination that helped him survive several major health crises.  He spent time with his daughter, Donna, in Suffolk Virginia over the past few years.  He kept in touch with his other children regularly.  He enjoyed talking to his sisters, brothers, family and friends on the phone.  He also was visited at home by several priest from Saint Margaret’s of Scotland’s Catholic Church since 2000.  Francis was called the ‘Miracle Man’ by his doctors because he recovered so many serious health crises.  He is a husband, a father, a warrior and an ancestor now.

Francis LeRoy Allen, Jr was preceded in death by his wife of 40 years Lolita Sabina Mason.  He is survived by Kim, Francis III, Wade (spouse Linda Wilcox) and Donna (spouse Roscoe Ledbetter).  His grandchildren and great grandchildren. His surviving siblings Willard (Joe) (Dorothy), Kenneth, Roger (Pamela), Viola (William), Elizabeth (William Vaughn), John (Agnus), Sherri, and Eddie. He was preceded in death by siblings Lawrence, Annette, Linda, Doris Allen Cannon, Mammie, Judy, and Stephen.  His surviving sister-in-law, Genevieve Greenfield. He will be remembered by many loving family members, friends and acquaintances.  

Due to COVID-19 restrictions a Private Service and Interment will be held on Monday, April 12 at Saint Margaret’s of Scotland Catholic Church, 408 Addison Road South, Capital Heights Maryland and Resurrection Cemetery.

ALL condolences can be sent directly to Kim Allen via email: Tondalaylah830@gmail.com

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