Mary Janelle Owen Allen
January 11, 1953 – March 31, 2023
Our beautiful, beloved Mother, Grandmother, Sister and Friend, surrounded by her four children, passed from this world to her glorious eternal home on March 31, 2023, in Springfield, Missouri after a valiant fight with breast cancer.
The youngest of two children; Janelle was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma on January 11, 1953, to Tedd & Lois Owen. Together with her big brother Larry Paul, whom she affectionately called “Bubby”, Janelle traveled the country, while her Dad, an ordained Assemblies of God minister, started churches in school buildings and public halls.
A few of the many homes they lived in included a suburban home in Oklahoma City, a river-front Victorian home in Wichita, Kansas, a sheep ranch in Carterville, Missouri where she learned to barrel-race horses, a lakeside resort in Seattle, two apartments in San Francisco during the hippie flower-power days of the late 60’s, and a country cabin outside of Haskell, Oklahoma, where she always felt at peace and the most “at home.”
In the late 70’s she moved from San Pedro, California to Southeast Texas and then settled in Odessa, Texas to be closer to her parents and help manage their business; Lois Owen Retirement Homes.
At a church singles get together; she met her future husband, L. David Allen, who she often referred to as “the cutest boy ever”. They were married May 20, 1988.
For almost 35 years, the two were hardly apart. Where one was; the other was not far away. They worked together expanding the retirement homes from one to three as they lovingly raised four children and enjoyed spending time with David’s two adult children and their families.
Both David and Janelle were ordained ministers and continued to share with others their love for their Heavenly Father. They became pastors of the Singles Group during their time at Life Unlimited Christian Center in Odessa before accepting a position as Senior Adult pastors of the “Jolly Seniors” at The Harbor Church in Lomita, CA.
After retirement, she and David moved to Southeast Texas to be closer to their kids and grandkids while continuing to answer God’s call in New Mexico, California and Missouri.
It was only two months ago, January 17th, 2023, when her husband David succumbed to his own valiant battle with cancer.
We do not remember a time when Janelle wasn’t humming or singing to the Lord. She loved ferociously and fought for those she loved. She was a champion for the lost, broken, and defeated and refused to give up hope and would not let others either.
Janelle is preceded in death by her husband David Allen and her parents Tedd and Lois Owen.
Survivors include her brother Larry and Kim Owen of Greenacres, Washington; son Jeremiah Jordan of Kyle, Texas; and from Orange, Texas are daughter Candice Jordan Beers and Bryon Beers, son Aaron and Christina Vanover, and daughter Jessica Vanover Burris.
Also, David’s son Richard and Angie Allen of Las Vegas, Nevada and daughter Sharon Allen Kreitz and Tim Kreitz of Midland, Texas.
Janelle’s grandchildren are Megan Beers and her fiancé Daniel Brown, Jacob Beers and Jesee Vanover of Orange, Texas. Nathan, William and Matthew Olszewski of Missouri City, Texas. And Samantha Burris of San Angelo, Texas.
Her great-grandchildren are Harlow and Liliana Brown of Orange, Texas.
David’s grandchildren are Ashlee Deleon of Midland, Texas, Cody and Carol Allen of Greenwood, Texas, Cassie Allen Ortiz and Brandon Ortiz of Midland, Texas. And his great-grandchildren are Anthony, Ayzen and Ayzaih Ortiz and Kalea Reyes of Midland; Jaxon, Brynlea, Lelan and Jayden Allen and Randy McMooring of Greenwood, Texas.
Janelle’s family and friends are devastated by the loss of this vibrant amazing woman and her beloved husband David. We will cherish our memories of them always.
We would like to express our sincere appreciation and gratitude for the outpouring of love and support from all our friends and family and to the incredible heroes of Mercy Hospital Oncology in Springfield Missouri. To honor our mom’s memory please consider your local cancer charities.
Most importantly, simply Love One Another and Never Stop Making A Melody in Your Hearts to the LORD.
A memorial service will be held on September 2,2023 on their favorite country hillside in Haskell, Oklahoma.
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