Rev. Dr. Horace S. Allen, Jr.

Rev. Dr. Horace S. Allen Jr. was called from labor to reward on Tuesday, June 9th at Maryview Medical Center after a long illness. Rev. Allen was born September 4,1943 to the late Horace S. Allen Sr. & Ollie O. Allen in Portsmouth Virginia. He was affectionately known to his family as Bay-Bro short for baby brother. He was the 2nd of seven children. He received his formative education through the City of Portsmouth Public Schools and was a graduate of I.C. Norcom High school. Immediately after high school he joined the U.S. Air Force where he served in the Vietnam War. Upon his return he began dating and shortly after married his childhood crush, Helen Smith, and they were united in matrimony in September 1967. To their union three children were born, Lori, Monica and Rodney. He and his bride began worshipping together at Holy Light Church of Deliverance where they both accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Rev. Allen became an ordained minister shortly thereafter pastoring Mt. Sinai RZUA church followed by New Hope United Church of Christ. In 1988, Rev. Allen founded Strait Gate Evangelistic Baptist Church. He was later called to pastor Trinity United Church of Christ and St. John United Church of Christ in St. Louis Missouri until 2005. Rev. Allen returned to his home where he continued to pastor Strait Gate until his retirement due to his illness. During his ministry he received his Doctorate of Divinity/Theology from Virginia Union and Regent University. Rev. Allen was also gainfully employed with Norfolk Naval Shipyard as a Contracting Specialist and took an early retirement in 1993 to dedicate himself full time to the ministry. Rev. Allen was dedicated to the work of the Lord and will be remembered by many as their Pastor, Counselor and friend. He leaves an awesome legacy of love, service and devotion and will be sorely missed. Rev. Allen was predeceased by his parents, Horace S. Allen Sr and Ollie O. Allen, sister, Barbara A. Brantley and brother Bruce O. Allen. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving and devoted wife of 52 years, Helen E. Allen of the home, two daughters, Lori L. Allen of Alexandria VA, Monica M. Ross(Paul) of Kearneysville, WV, one son, Rodney O. Allen Sr.(Monique) of Portsmouth, VA, two sisters, Shirley Stephenson of Stafford, VA, Bonnie Barnes(Phillip) of Suffolk VA, two brothers, Wayne Allen(Brenda) of Ellenwood GA, Grayland Allen(Tatiana) of Cumming Georgia, five grandchildren, Ayana Allen, Rodney O. Allen Jr, Cameron Ross, Kaylin Allen and Ameena Allen, godmother Fannie Olivia Haskins, his loyal and best friend Bishop Carlton R. Upton Sr., a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and many other special friends.

Rev. Dr. Horace S. Allen, Jr.

September 4, 1943 - June 9, 2020