Estelle Allen

Lela Estelle Broxson Allen (Granny) was born in Bancroft, Louisiana on December 19, 1922.  She was born at home in one of the only homes at the time to have a wooden floor.  She was the 10th of 11 children born to Emma Stamps Broxson and George Thomas Broxson, and her Papa’s favorite child.  He gave her a horse when she was seven years old, which caused a bit of jealousy between her and her siblings.

It never occurred to Estelle that she would not be independent after she left home.  She graduated from high school (Dequincy High School in Dequincy, Louisiana), got a job at the “dime store” and put herself through business school in Lake Charles.  After the divorce from her first husband and with a small daughter (Ann) to raise, she went “door-to-door” looking for a job.  She did not have a car, so the only option was to take the bus downtown and walk.  She was hired by Sun Oil Company and retired from there in 1965. 

She married C. Joe Allen in 1965 and they sold their home in Beaumont, Texas and moved to Natchez, Mississippi where they owned an antebellum home and restored it.  In 1975 they sold their home in Natchez and bought back their home in Beaumont.  Little did they know that a few short months later they would inherit a granddaughter (Stephanie) to raise. Seven years later, her daughter Ann died from cancer.   

Estelle enjoyed her own company, working in the flower beds, going to her old home place in Bancroft, Louisiana and of course, being “granny”.   

In Estelle’s own words about her life: “It wasn’t always easy.  It had its ups and downs.  But it was definitely a life worth living.”   

Estelle departed this earthly life on January 21, 2021 in Beaumont, Texas. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, C. Joe Allen, and her daughter Ann Mae Shriver. She was also preceded in death by her siblings (Penny, Cordie Idell, George, Pearlie, Tom, M.T., Minnie, Grace, Gene, and Ludie), their spouses, and several nieces and nephews (Frank, Everett, Gladys, Joy Vern, Ruby, Rosie, Roy, Ray, Bobbie Jean, Jerry, Sondra, and Wayne). 

She is survived by her granddaughters Terri Ann Fulton and Stephanie Estelle Allen and her wife, Regina K. Lieby; her great-granddaughters Brandi Rein Fulton, Cheyenne Scout Fulton, and Emily Ann Simmons; her great-great-granddaughters Jaylynn LuRein Castro and Dallas Rayann Wertz, and her great-great-grandsons Dakoda Lee Wertz and Zane Mehki Castro.   

She is also survived by several nieces and nephews: Elmer Broxson (Bonnie Fay), Joyce Mae McGrew (Ken), Tom Broxson (Pat), Terry Broxson (Jolene), Teresa Franks (Joey), Elena Ruth Brown (Howard), Larry Wood, Gene Broxson (Corinne), and Bill Dunham (Susan).  

She is also survived by her faithful canine companion, Brutus. 

Pallbearers will be Larry Wood, Steve Peyton, Marty Longbottom, Donald Mudd, and Troy Simmons.Honorary Pallbearers will be All Saints Episcopal School Class of 1985, Kelly High School Class of 1989 

A gathering of Mrs. Allen’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Monday, January 25, 2021, at Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont. Her funeral service will be 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 26, 2021, at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 4090 Delaware, Beaumont, with her interment to follow at Magnolia Cemetery, Beaumont.  

Please observe social distancing guidelines. By attending any public event you are acknowledging the risk of exposure to the Coronavirus. Please follow the guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control: cdc.gov.