Obituary of Martha L.M. Allen

Martha L. M. "Marty" Allen, 79, of 279 South Main Street, Jamestown, NY ran into Jesus' arms (as a result of Multiple System Atrophy) at 10:05 p.m. Wednesday, May 1, 2013 at Heritage Park Rehab & Skilled Nursing in Jamestown, where she had resided for over two years. She was born December 7, 1933 in Mutual, PA, a daughter of the late Ransel and Goldie (Shawley) Nesbitt. A graduate of Penn Township High School, Martha graduated from Roberts Wesleyan College, holding a B.A. Degree with a major in Sociology. In earlier years, she was an elementary school teacher in Penn Township, PA, Sugar Grove, PA, Frewsburg and Celoron, NY. In later years, Martha worked as an in-home health caregiver for UpJohn Healthcare System in Jamestown. She was a charter member of Zion Tabernacle Church, where she served as a Sunday School Teacher, participated in Vacation Bible Schools, their Women's Group, and evening Bible Study and Prayer Meetings. She had a passion for missions. Martha enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and her friends. She would meet regularly with her prayer partner, a dear friend, to pray for others. Prior to her illness, she enjoyed playing the piano and ministering to shut-ins. She was sweet, kind, humble and a wonderful example of patience, faith and perseverance. She introduced many to Jesus, her Savior. Her children say she (and their father) raised them to know Jesus and that it was the best gift they ever received. Days before she passed she said, "Tell everyone I'm going to Heaven and meet me there." Surviving is her husband of 55 years, Malcolm W. Allen, whom she married on August 3rd, 1957 in the Jeanette Free Methodist Church in Jeannette, PA; three daughters and a son: Jolene (Phil) Mayo of Minnetonka, MN, Evie (Jeff) Piazza and Lisa (Mike) Tomczak, both of Jamestown, NY, and Malcolm P. (Becky) Allen of Cleveland, Ohio; five grandchildren: Josiah Mayo, Ally and Billy Piazza, and Maverick and Mason Tomczak; and a brother, William (Ruby) Nesbitt of Meadville, PA. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Evelyn (Myers) Hopkinson. Martha's family wishes to thank her medical doctors and caregivers at Heritage Park whom she loved very much. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday in Zion Tabernacle Church. The Rev. Robert E. Reeves will officiate. Burial will be in Foster Cemetery, Lander, PA. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday in the Lind Funeral Home.