Happy Heavenly,Birthday! ❤️
               

SororSisterFriend Cheryl, my tears continue to flow from the pain of your absence. And then I smile as I force myself to remember all the joy and fun and wonderful times we had together. You were a once-in-a-lifetime friend. Too expansive to be held in one place. If only I could have kept you with me... I love you...always and forever. Belinda

January 24, 2024

Grief is the last act of love we have to give to those we loved. Where there is deep grief, there was great love.

January 29, 2023
Today I remember my amazing sister. My sister was a wonderful person and today I will remember all the kindness and love she brought into our life. I miss her more every year.
To my dearest sister – every year I think it will get easier and every year it’s just as hard. You were so special I can’t let you go. I hope you’re up in heaven looking down on us. All the amazing times are sorely missed. She was a one of a kind and I miss her with all my heart. She was truly special and we all miss her dearly.

Hey Doc,

It’s still really hard not having you around physically! Just know we are all still doing our best holding it together until we meet again. Love you and miss you!

Aunt Cheryl,
It is another year that we are not able to spend with you on your birthday. I know your spirit lives on, Uncle James and Aunt Mary have come to join you. I pray that we all meet again someday. We are promised the time God has already set and we know not that time, the hour, or the place when we will be returned to heavenly home. We only know that it is certain.
Love you,
PS Morehouse is still doing big things !!!!

Hello SisterSororFriend, happy heavenly birthday! Just can't stop missing you. Will never stop loving you. Belinda

Dear aunt, Cheryl its me Kennedy I miss you everyday I remember you used to call me Queen and i used to say I wanted to be the first black woman president and you'd always believe in me. I remember we used to watch lifetime movies and family feud together those were special moment's I will always treasure. I remember on the 4th of July you were taking care of us kids I will never forget how beautiful it looked when you were holding ivy it was just so special i hope you were remember that moment. I still have those purple slippers you gave me I will always keep them no matter how old I get. you were amazing aunt Cheryl forever loved by- Queen now 12

My Dear SororSisterFriend, the hole in my heart remains. I try to fill it with the wonderful memories of our friendship and love that grew from our 25 years together at Morehouse. You were my rock, my encourager, my travel partner, my confident, my sister, my friend; always there even as the days got more difficult for you. So instead of filling the hole in my heart, I will keep it as a tribute to you, because you are irreplaceable. Belinda

Remembering all the good times we shared. I miss your laugh, your smile, and of course your encouraging words. You are missed within our circle of sisters. Sweet memories of you continue to comfort me during tough times. You’re free now. I’m sure you’ve taken your rightful place in the kingdom.

Cheryl,
Miss you girl! Your wonderful spirit lives on in my memory.
Love,
Elsie

Happy birthday Aunt Cheryl and know you were preparing for your bday party. No pain so you are probably running around. A day does not go by that I don’t think about you. I wish I had more pictures with you. . Please keep watching over us . Kennedy says she talks to you so , keep her in your prayers.

I am because she was...

Dr. Allen treated her students like her sons while at Morehouse College! She was an excellent professor, she encouraged me to go on the China spring tour, even to move to New York and work on Wall Street. She is the reason I am in Accounting and Finance... a true POWER HOUSE! May God bless and keep her family and friends...

Sincerely,

Adrian Harrison class 2001

I remember our trip to China. Our shopping laughing and just enjoying one another. Birthdays at my home with my brother Ben McLaurin. Birthday Cakes. Joking and just enjoying each other's company. I will miss you.

We went to China together. We had such a great time shopping laughing and eating and just enjoying one another.
She was always so loving. My brother Ben McLaurin always made her Birthday cake with a Birthday party at our home. We looked forward to seeing her.
Dana McLaurin

I didn’t know Cheryl or your family but wanted to share some words of encouragement. It’s never easy to lose our loved ones. We can and comfort in knowing that it wasn’t God’s original purpose for us to die. In the near future we look forward to the words of Revelation 21:3,4 being fulfilled. God promises to eliminate death, tears, and pain. Until that time — deep sympathy— Julia

So saddened to hear of Cheryl's transition. A beautiful soul and an outstanding colleague. Will always be remembered.

Dr. Allen was such a significant part of my experience at Morehouse and provided constant encouragement and belief in my potential. Dr. Allen had a unique ability to combine a technical knowledge of accounting with practical application and timeless wisdom. I was saddened to hear this news, but am grateful to be among those that God blessed to know Dr. Allen. To the family - you are sincerely in my prayers.

To the family:
Words truly seem to escape me as I think of what to write to honor a great woman. Dr. Allen has fought a good fight but felt compelled to impart knowledge and wisdom into the minds of Morehouse students even to the very end. What a great servant, knowing her purpose and working hard to fulfill that to the best of her ability.
I would like for you to know that you all are in my prayers as you celebrate the life of your dear sister, aunt, cousin and friend and yet mourn her passing. I would like to encourage you with these few words from the Apostle Paul found in II Corinthians 5:1 - ‘For we know if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.’
Rest my sister until we meet again!
Claudia Smalls, Pastor
Tabernacle of Praise Baptist Church
Former Administrative Assistant to the Department of Business Administration
Morehouse College

Dear Dr. Allen,
Your unwavering support for your students was only matched by your grace and elegance. Thank you for the guidance and commitment to achievement through the years. You will be missed.

Embracing some of the warmest memories of time spent with you and your family.Truly blessed to have encountered you along this path we call life here on earth. May you continue to soar above and beyond.Extending blessings of love and comfort to the Allen Family.

Love
Kirk and Teresa Kelly

Cheryl,

I pray God ushers you into your Heavenly Home and Welcomes you with Well Done God & Faithul Servant!!!

May you Rest In Peace and Join your rightful place among the Angels. 

You will be Missed Immensely by Many. 

I pray God will keep his loving arms of strength & protection around the Allen family during this most difficult time. Give them peace which each memory of love,

Dearest Allen Family, please accept my deepest condolences at the passing of Cheryl. The news of her passing hit me like a deep punch in the stomach...it took my breath away. 

I met Cheryl at what was then Clark College. We were Freshman classmates both majoring in Accounting. She was so smart and so much fun to be around. She was also very determined to be the best she could be and to be a difference maker and positive influence in our community. I am not surprised that she became an effective role model and mentor to both women and men, that she excelled and reached the peak of academic achievement, and contributed her time and extraordinary talents to the betterment of our society through the wonderful sisterhood of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. 

I will always remember my friend...the beautiful and amazing Cheryl Allen. I pray that Almighty God will Bless and Comfort the Allen family with His Peace and Love in Jesus name.

I met Dr Cheryl Allen through my sister Dr Jennifer Joe and she was such a pleasant and down to earth person, a pleasure to be with our family, whether it was having a meal together or a night at the movies. I was so shocked when I got the news of her passing but came to terms with the thought that heaven has received another beautiful angel. RIP Cheryl.....you will always be remembered by our family.

My dearest soror, colleague and friend.  You were always the sweetest person, never putting on airs no matter how high you climbed in your career. You were always grounded, caring and the first one to reach out and help others; especially your Grand D.A.M.E sisters at Morehouse.  I cannot put into words how much your presence will be missed on our campus, in your division or in our hearts; especially mine. I only hope  that I will have the lasting impact you had on your students, coworkers, sorors, family and friends when God calls me home. I will never forget you Cheryl and I will see you again in heaven! Until then, rest well my beautiful sister!  Love, Ardis

Hey C…this is V. (this was our greeting joke to address each other). When I got the news I dropped to the floor and just lost it. My mind immediately start churning…”oh no, not C” This was my buddy, my road dog, my friend. It was like flashback when I started remembering all the fun times like they were yesterday. How I wish it was still so. As I tried to regain my composure your voice came to me saying “Now Vickie Turner…” It was strong, caring and in the tone of the giving friend you have always been. You wouldn’t want me to cry, but to be strong and know that everything is alright, you are alright, and you are okay. You are that kind of friend – always considering others and never wanting anyone to worry about you. 

We hadn’t seen each other in a while, but I can always remember and will never forget “back in the day” We met at Ernst & Whinney (now E&Y) and you immediately brought me into the fold. You were the glue for our crew. You had me playing on a company softball team and LAWD knows I am no athlete. Regardless of my lack of athletic ability, you were always encouraging and kept me and the team pumped up.  You had us going on road trips and supporting the guy’s team at tournaments. You were the number one cheerleader and we just tried to follow your lead and chimed right in with you. We had great fun.

Softball was just one of the many memories we had....fish frys, SuperBowl Parties, Basketball Final watch, BBQs, impromptu dinners, birthday celebrations, etc.  We spent so much time together we were always between each other’s home. You were a part of my family and I was a part of yours. You get the award for “World’s Best Auntie” Those babies were your heart and at the time I had a baby niece as well and you loved on her just as much. You gave her the tag name “Chatty”and even later in our life as she is now 32, each time we talked you always asked about “Chatty” Our family also remembers how you used to make us that homemade bread during the holidays and we talk of it often. We had some good times C.

We were Sorors as well. Even though I didn’t go to Clark, you included me in everything at Clark. You introduced me to so many people that till this day I have them as great friends because of you. Having not gone to an HBCU I looked forward to Clark’s Homecoming every year. It was new to me to go to the yard and step and sing with the Sorors. We toured your college dorm and just walked through the campus. I was with you at so many Clark functions that people begin to think I too went to Clark. We went to the games, tailgates, pre-party, after-party, breakfast, and even weddings of people that went to Clark and so on. It didn’t stop and I thank you for that experience.

I could go on and on reminiscing about our good times. To get through each day, that is exactly what I will continue to do. I will miss you, and my strength will come from knowing you are at peace, you are okay, and GOD blessed me to have you in my life. You have been the best friend anyone could ever ask for. You were not only a very smart and wise women, you demonstrated characteristics that are an example for others to follow – classy, humble, generous, caring, dedicated…and the list goes on.  Farewell my friend, my buddy, my C. Love you and miss you much.

V

Dear Aunt Cheryl,

Only you and the good lord know how deep our bond was and is and forever will be. I won’t miss all of our talks about the future, my goals, aspirations, and family because I’ll still be having them with you regularly. I’ll just be listening to you and talking with you a little differently. Everything that we’ve discussed over the years is imprinted in the man that I’ve be become today. I think I can speak for our family and close friends when I say that your legacy of hard work, courage, honor, faith, generosity, kindness, scholarship, and overall approach to life will forever be engraved in our lives. I consider myself especially lucky because I had the honor and privilege to not only be your nephew but also your student. You taught me so much about life and faith over the years through your actions. I’m so grateful!

I am going to miss my “Doc”! I have nothing but fond memories of us that I will hold onto forever until it is time for me to see you again. Rest peacefully in the house of our lord Auntie. You will be missed.

With deep admiration, love, and respect,

Trey Gore
“Bean”

I made a promise to you last year. Know that I intend to keep it!

We are deeply sadden but reflective of “Cheryl”. You would have had to know Cheryl to grasp her and the workings that she lived by and championed. Cheryl was a soldier, but a quiet soldier. Involved and active in many actions that were progressive and uplifting to students and the community. The many organizations and associations will experience a void because of the absence of this fallen soldier. But rest in assurance and know that her works and her dedication was needed and most appreciated. Cheryl deeds were acceptable and pleasing. Cheryl can bow her head when these words are repeated to her ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master!’ Rest in peace my friend…rest in peace.

Eric Brooks

I went back to complete my college education after 20 years and It was the hardest decision I have ever made but in Dr,Allen's class she gave me a renewed spirit and challenged me to be my best and not to let my age or the lack of being in classroom for many years keep me from the prize of walking in May. She was not only a great teacher to me but a great friend. I hope you spread as much light in your next life as you did in mine.

Dr. Allen,

Your professional demeanor and wisdom will be missed at Morehouse.

Karen Jones

Cheryl’s passing is so difficult to process and bear. We got to know each other in 1994 through the Ph.D. Project and Cheryl was always proud that she was a founding member. We had a long chat a few months ago when we’d lost another friend. We reminisced about being roomies at conferences and the fun times we had with other doctoral students, Harold, Tom, Winnie, Buky and many more. Cheryl had such a warm, loving and giving spirit. I know how much she loved her siblings, nephews and nieces, and being in her sister and brother-in-law’s home. You were such a dedicated family in taking care of her. She really felt the warm blanket of love that you wrapped around her. She was so committed to Morehouse, her second family, and gave her heart, soul, and all that she had to that institution. I know that she’s left an indelible mark on the lives of those young men who were fortunate to be in her classroom or go on study abroad trips with her.

Yours is a life well lived. Rest peacefully my friend.

Cheryl, as I write, I’m remembering conversations about our shared belief that people often come into our lives for a reason. We agreed we might never understand the reason, but we were adamant there were reasons.

Well, it didn’t take me long to understand the reason for our paths crossing. God sent me a friend. Someone who was smart, thoughtful, honest, classy and sassy enough to tell me the truth about my inability to carry a tune; or kindly suggest that my dance and stroll moves were probably better in the 1970s than they are now.

I miss you already my friend. To be truthful, I know with a certainty I won’t ever stop missing you. I will try not to cry overly much because I know you would rather I didn’t. I can’t promise there won’t be times when I am sad, but I will promise to cherish the time and wonderful experiences we shared. And, when I think of these, I will smile as I am now.

Rest my sister, my friend. I love you.

Auntie ...I am heartbroken. I still can't comprehend the fact that you are gone and everything that is lost with you.Thank you for playing such a crucial role in my life & overall development. You, along with Aunt Vikki & Mom have pushed me so hard to do my best in all I do & have instilled in me that nothing comes without hard work. I'm going to miss the nicknames you called me, the late night talks, doing "favors" for you as "nurse #2" as you would call it, grammar checks, & so so so much more. LILILI - Big Sister Girl

Dear Cheryl. From the time we met in 2005, you were always a tremendous supporter of me and my efforts to work successfully with the Men of Morehouse. Additionally, I am happy to say you were a friend. Thank you for ALL of your contributions to the thousands of young men you have impacted over the course of your career and life. May GOD's eternal grace and peace be with you.

Dr. Allen was truly one of my favorite professors. I will never forget her sayings, her wit and how she addressed each of her students. I will never forget you writing LLA (low lying apple) on my exam for a problem I didn't get correct because it was an easy problem. Thank you for your wisdom and taking the time to pour into me. I will never forget our phone calls. Sometimes it was hard to get you on the phone but when I did catch you we had great conversations. I will never forget how excited you were when I called to tell you I passed the CPA exam. An exam you pushed so many of your students to take and pass. You pushed it so much so that you made us read, "A White Collar Profession", which talked about the struggles of African Americans becoming CPAs. Thank you for your encouragement, interview preps and pushing me to do things I didn't think I could do. I was so looking forward to visiting you during my upcoming reunion. Thank you for everything and you will be truly missed.

I met Cheryl when I entered the doctoral program at the University of Georgia. She was a source of encouragement to me when things got tough. I will always remember our trips to Peking restaurant and our late nights drinking coffee in her office. Her commitment to her students at Morehouse was legendary. I want to extend my deepest sympathy to Cheryl's family and friends for your loss. She will be sorely missed.

Cheryl,

I had the pleasure of being blessed with your presence a few times and it was obvious that you were someone to respect and honor. I recently spoke about a memory a few years ago that is etched in my mind, so happy and joyful with you, your sister Jennifer, and niece Jaelaan shopping all day and you sharing one of your favorite places to eat in Atlanta. Being at your birthday last year, again enjoying your words. You were so classy. I was always impressed around you. Though I didn't have much time with you I will always have the memories. My eyes are consumed because of grief. May you rest in peace.

From the moment I met her she was a shining light, always so sweet & smiling! Always so informative & passing down her blessings of knowledge! Jaelaan Gore & the Gore family just letting you know that you are in my thoughts & prayers. She is an Angel. You are making her so very proud. She walks with you daily. Love you all RIP Cheryl.

When I heard that Cheryl, a beautiful spirit had left this earth,
I immediately knew that she would no longer hurt.
Cheryl was strong, beautiful and so very pleasant,
If we could be as kind as Cheryl, we too can go to heaven.
She was so kind to everyone that she was around,
Not only that, she was humble and very profound.
Although, I did not have an opportunity to see her much,
My heart will miss her and the many people she touched.
You are now with your family – joined together in God’s love.
It was the greatest pleasure to have known you.
Love you in my heart and always,

When I heard that Cheryl, a beautiful spirit had left this earth,
I immediately knew that she would no longer hurt.
Cheryl was strong, beautiful and so very pleasant,
If we could be as kind as Cheryl, we too can go to heaven.
She was so kind to everyone that she was around,
Not only that, she was humble and very profound.
Although, I did not have an opportunity to see her much,
My heart will miss her and the many people she touched.
You are now with your family – joined together in God’s love.
It was the greatest pleasure to have known you.
Love you in my heart and always,

Auntie Cheryl,
 How I miss you as I write these words. I am scared to use incorrect grammar for you always seem to catch me. My beautiful auntie, my rock, my shoulder to cry on, my listening ear, my complete and utter everything. The positive motivation that you always had for me and which I took and seem to gain a better perspective on what I needed to do make my mark in the world. I called you for every problem I was having and often showed up to your office to see you needing more help with some problem. I cannot imagine being without you and didn't know I would loose you so soon. I would sit up after going out Uber driving which you didn't, and talk with you sometimes you would be in and out but you would always say I heard you. I saw you looking frail and fragile but you continued to push and push until the push became slower and slower. My thoughts are racing through my head, what didn't I know and did you even want me to know. I grew up wanting to be just like you. I would go to Clark AU and pledge Delta Sigma Theta.

 I would not go to Clark until years later and she was so proud. I am still planning be a Delta but other things are more important right now. I got an MBA trying to be like my Auntie she and my other family members helped to complete my last assignment. I chose the hardest major because I wanted to push and I found a desire to know more about accounting. I would send problems and case studies. I would call her all hours of the night and she was always like, Brigni give me a minute, I have to pull it up. Never ceasing to help me through a tough spot. I realized after she that she was my crutch and feels like a can't move and don't know where to go.

Dear Auntie I know that you are no longer hurting and wishing you were here, but like a told you at the hospital, you can go and will see you soon. But wait until Peggy gets here. You were so strong, so strong. I know you wanted to stay. Our last conversation was about my new job and you asked me about health benefits you always asked about benefits. Hmmm. I was like not yet it is about the opportunity. I am going to miss our talks and you telling me what was necessary. I am thinking of the great times and everything. I am planning a foundation for you and I don't care if you don't want anyone to know about your strides.I know you meant well and I am happy so happy I was able to hold your warm hand and feel your embrace one last time. Still we meet again sincerely Baby Brigni

Cheryl ("SD"), Your .."moving finger having writ, moves on, nor all thy piety nor wit Shall lure it back to cancel half a line, nor all thy tears wash out a word of it..," as includes your character, courage and great convlction. I will miss my Spring Tour Buddy immensely! Save me a seat for the tour over Yonder. JW

Dear Cheryl Lynn,
Our journey together on this side is ending. A link has snapped and you have broken from my grip. I have tried so hard to hold you a little more tightly, lately. I knew that you were slipping from my grip. I didn’t want you to, so I tried hard to pull you closer. I could feel you slipping, slipping away from me, from all us. I’ve seen in your eyes in a million ways, that you also knew you were losing our grip, you too pulled tighter. I’ve cried so many silent tears, begging for just a little more strength to hold you closer knowing you would soon slip from me. I have watched you walk in the building to work, each day getting slower, laboring harder, and I just break down in tears. I had to pull myself together, can’t fall into shattered pieces, I felt you needed me. I dried my tears, because I could not let you see me cry. Sometimes in silent moments with you and no others around I have simply cried and ask God for a little more grace and time, and he granted us that time, these little extra moments. Oh, he has been so good to us, that’s why we’ve be able to make it this long. The other day, he said it was time, and I looked for those signs that I always see and feel when impending doom seems close to me. I always have that sighting, that feeling when my world is going to change and leave me broken and shattered. I knew that with Mama, Daddy, and all of the many other love ones and friends who have left us of late. When it first became bad on Wednesday, I did not have that sickness at the pit of my stomach, I looked for the birds that I see take in flight and saw none, so I let my mind tell me that everything would be okay this time. In the back of my mind I knew better. I saw the signs, I could tell you were tired. Things got worst at the week’s end and yesterday you let go and now I too must do the same. I love you Cheryl, I know you know that. We tried so hard to keep you with us, but now the link has snapped and you are gone away forever from my sight, but never ever from my heart. I love you so much.
Vikki

My Dear Soror Friend Cheryl, no words exist in any language to express my love for you or the sorrow and grief I feel in my heart resulting from your passing. Forever you will always remain the epitome of grace, beauty, and true Delta Fortitude. Oh for just a few more months, weeks, days or moments...all taken away from me on this side so I look forward to forever time with you in eternity. Belinda