Glenn Allen

Celebration of Life Glenn Allen, the youngest of fourteen children, was born on December 19, 1965 in Washington, D.C. to the late Raymond Allen and Austine Barnes Allen. He was named after John Glenn, the first American astronaut to orbit the earth. His nickname was Sparky, after his grandfather. Glenn made his entrance into the world at D.C. General Hospital and won the cutest baby contest. He was a beautiful child with curly dark hair and a wonderful smile. His parents and siblings were delighted at his bubbly persona that added so much joy to family life. As the last baby, he was doted on, constantly hugged, kissed, and proudly passed from sibling to sibling. Friends and neighbors joined in the celebration by cuddling him as well. As Glenn grew into a young boy, he attended Saint Teresa of Avila Roman Catholic Church where he served as an altar boy. Glenn also attended Savoy Elementary School in Southeast D.C. He was gifted in math and spelling. He was of a young but tough cut and he quickly began to show a love for sports, diving headfirst into every game. During his junior high school years, Glenn played football for the No. 11 Boys and Girls Club, along with his beloved nephew Anthony and the neighborhood guys. Glenn was so good at football that he played both offense and defense, helped lead the team to win many championships, and won MVP of the League. These accomplishments earned him the nickname, “Killer.” Glenn loved to participate in other sports, including basketball, wrestling, boxing, ping pong, checkers as well as track and field. Glenn continuously contributed to team wins and received a host of trophies as recognition for his talent, including trophies for track and field at Douglass Junior High School. During his tenure at Anacostia High School Glenn was diagnosed with a mental illness and he received treatment at St. Elizabeths Hospital. As Glenn improved, he was afforded the opportunity to work in the Stamps for a Living Work Adjustment Training Program where he prepared used postage stamps for resale to stamp collectors all over the world. His last residence was the Community Connection Group Home in Northwest D.C. Daily, he attended the PCC Day Program where he participated in group therapy and learned enhanced life skills. Throughout his adult life, Glenn continued to experience ups and downs with the condition; nevertheless, he kept an attitude of gratitude and enjoyed his life and his family. His family was quite proud of him, and he enjoyed hearing it expressed. On Thursday, April 2, 2020, God called Glenn home to Glory. He is preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Allen, two brothers, Wayne and Steven, and sister, Robin. Glenn leaves to cherish his memory two brothers, Raymond “Chip” and Patrick; eight sisters, June, Gay, Joy, Hope, Starr, Christy, Vikki, and Venus; many nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of other loving relatives and friends.

Glenn Allen

December 19, 1965 - April 2, 2020