Barbara Joan Allen

September 23, 1931 - March 13, 2014
Barbara Joan Allen

Memorial Gifts & Donations




Barbara Joan (Granny) Allen, 82, of Holly Ridge died peacefully in her home surrounded by her family on Thursday, March 13, 2014.

Granny Allen was born in Franklin Co. NC on September 23rd, 1931, the daughter of the late John Elam and Lola Williams. She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Douglas E. Allen and daughter Beverly Denton. Also preceded in death by sisters Helen Sherrill and Jean Debnam and brothers John Elam Jr. and Guy Elam.

After retiring to the beach, she was a permanent fixture at the One Stop, Seahorse Café and the Beachin Kitchen where her famous cole slaw, potato salad and numerous cakes and pies have been enjoyed by many. She is affectionately called “granny” by all that know her. If you were ever fortunate enough to meet her, you will never forget her. She was loved by all.

Surviving are her four daughters; Gloria Allen of Raleigh, NC; Barbara Petty (John) of Raleigh, NC, Brenda Allen, and Linda Allen (Billie Womack) of Holly Ridge, NC; son Jimmy Pierce (Judy Allen) of Louisburg, NC; six grandchildren, Mary Ann Wrench, Valerie Stover, Douglas Dally, Catina Hayes, Joan Stone and Gibson Reynolds; and six great grandchildren; three brothers; Bobby Elam, Bill Elam and Archie Elam of Louisburg; sister Jackie Wilson of Colombia SC. 

The service will be held at 2:00pm on Thursday, March 20th, 2014 at the veranda in front of the Beachin Kitchen at 14061C NC HWY 50 Surf City, NC. Following the service, the family will receive friends at the Allen residence, at 101 Homestead Lane in Holly Ridge, NC.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Lower Cape Fear Hospice & Life Care Center. The work of this organization was instrumental to comfortable transition of not only our loved one but countless others.

Please share memories and condolences with the family by clicking on the “Sign Guest Book” tab above.

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation, 1535 S. 41st Street, Wilmington, NC 28403 910.791.9099


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  • March 16, 2014
    Deborah J Fussell says:
    My deepest sympathy to Joan's family I know how much you all must be missing her. I want you all to know she was my best friend and I will miss her very much too. She was always there to tell me what she thought about most everything and many times even if I didn't ask. I loved Joan, I will never forget her, my friend forever

  • March 22, 2014
    MN says:
    I am so sorry for the loss of your dear Barbara. Granny sounded like a very loved woman. It may be comforting to know that the Bible gives each one of us a very real hope of actually enjoying life with our passed loved ones once again right here on this good earth. At John 5:28 and 29 Jesus himself tells us that those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out to a resurrection of life, similar to how he resurrected his friend Lazarus. Lazarus was resurrected back to life on earth, not heaven. That is in harmony with God's original purpose for humans, to "fill the earth and subdue it". (Genesis 1:28) God's purposes do not change as no one is powerful enough to make him have to change anything. To see our passed loved ones again on a beautified earth is a hope few dare to dream about, much less firmly believe in. But it is right there in every one of our Bibles. When some time has passed, feel free to visit jw.org for more comfort. Again, I am sorry for your loss. MN