Clara Smith Allen

July 22, 1940 - December 24, 2022
Clara Smith Allen

Memorial Gifts & Donations


Clara Smith Allen 82, of Wilmington, NC died on Christmas Eve Saturday December 24, 2022 at her home with her family at her side.

Clara was born in Whiteville, NC on July 22, 1940 the daughter of the late Haney Smith and Elvie Smith and was retired Secretary of Myrtle Grove Presbyterian Church. Her and her husband were married in 1976 and had taken in 40 cruises on Carnival Cruise Line was was already making plans for another cruise in 2023. She was proud of her Diamond Status with the cruise line.

Surviving are her husband of 45 years Myron “MH” Allen children Charles Afton; Debra Afton; Cynthia Ward; Teresa Afton; Robert Allen and Glenn Allen.

A memorial service is planned for 11:00 AM Saturday, January 14, 2023 at Myrtle Grove Presbyterian Church.

Share memories and condolence by visiting the “Tribute Wall” below.

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation 1535 S. 41st Street, Wilmington, NC 28403.  910-791-9099

Tribute Wall

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  • January 08, 2023
    Wallace and Shelby Gray says:
    Our thoughts and prayers are with M H and the family.

  • January 05, 2023
    Sandra Cayton says:
    I'm so sorry to learn of Clara passing. She was a sweet lady and I loved her and MH. Please know that my prayers are for her husband and family remaining. Love, Sandra Cayton

  • January 05, 2023
    Kelyn Robinson says:
    “Clara was born in Whiteville, NC on July 22, 1940. She moved around before finally settling in Wilmington, NC with her devoted husband, Myron Allen (M.H), of 46 years. Clara was the daughter of the late Haney Smith and Elvie Smith and was a retired Secretary of Myrtle Grove Presbyterian Church. Clara and M.H were married September 5,1976, joining their families as one happy unit. She was preceded in death by her parents and daughter, Donna Afton. Survived by her loving husband, M.H. Allen, and children- Debra Afton, Cindy Ward, Teresa Afton, and Charles Afton Jr. and stepson’s Robert Allen and Glenn Allen. Grandchildren- Ann Nixon, Jessica Mazzell, Thomas Ward, Kelyn Robinson, Heather Davis, Eric Giles, Hayley Allen, Meagan Turner, and Devin Turner. Great Grans- Joseph and Austin Johnson, Hailey Faucette, Journey and Boston “Buddy” Marion, Emiliano and Luciana Mauna, Parker Dugan, Oliver and Jonah Robinson, Cohen Miller, Sawyer Davis, Cyrus Piedmont. Great-Great Grans- Jackson Johnson and Kaesin Saporito. And many friends and family. Clara’s infectious laugh could make even the most serious of people crack a smile. Whether at a family reunion, church, or one of the over forty cruises that she had taken, she could always be counted on to be the life of the party. If there’s one thing that could be said about Clara (Nana), it’s that she loved her family. Being the matriarch, she had the task of coordinating family vacations and get togethers (which could be difficult with our crazy bunch). She was truly the glue that kept the family together. Her legacy will carry on in the love that she instilled in each of us. And in the lives that she touched along the way. The family would like to thank all those that called, stopped by, and sent well wishes and prayers. And a very special thanks to all the hospice nurses that came to the house. As a woman of faith, Clara Allen wished to have a celebration of the immortality promised to all by Christ. She would love to be remembered with funny, strange, or silly stories to celebrate what was good and blessed in her life.”

  • January 05, 2023
    Jessica Mazzell says:
    Tribute to Nana: Clara Smith Allen, 82, of Wilmington, NC departed this earthly life to be with her Heavenly Father on Christmas Eve Saturday, December 24, 2022. She passed at her home with her family by her side. Clara was born in Whiteville, NC on July 22, 1940. She moved around before finally settling in Wilmington, NC with her devoted husband, Myron Allen (M.H), of 46 years. Clara was the daughter of the late Haney Smith and Elvie Smith and was a retired Secretary of 5th Avenue Methodist Church. Clara and M.H. were married September 5,1976, joining their families as one happy unit. She was preceded in death by her parents, 11 siblings, and daughter, Donna Afton. Survived by her loving husband, M.H. Allen, and children- Debra Afton, Cindy Ward (Don), Terri Afton, and Charles Afton Jr. and stepson’s Robert Allen (Tina) and Glenn Allen. Grandchildren- Ann Bordeaux-Nixon (Charles), Jessica Mazzell (John), Thomas Ward (Candis), Kelyn Robinson (Walden), Heather Davis (Logan), Eric Giles (Madison), Hayley Allen, Meagan Turner, and Devin Turner. Great Grans- Joseph and Austin Johnson, Hailey Faucette, Journey and Boston “Buddy” Marion, Emiliano and Luciana Mauna, Parker Dugan, Oliver and Jonah Robinson, Cohen Miller, Sawyer Davis, Cyrus Piedmont. Great-Great Grans- Jackson Johnson and Kaesin Saporito. And many friends and family. Clara’s infectious laugh could make even the most serious of people crack a smile. Whether at a family reunion, church, or one of the over forty cruises that she had taken, she could always be counted on to be the life of the party. If there’s one thing that could be said about Clara aka Nana, it’s that she loved her family. Being the matriarch, she had the task of coordinating family vacations and get-togethers (which could be complicated with our crazy bunch). She was truly the glue that kept the family together. Her legacy will carry on in the love that she instilled in each of us. And in the lives that she touched along the way. The family would like to thank all those that called, stopped by, and sent well wishes and prayers. And an exceptional thanks to all the hospice nurses that came to the house. As a woman of faith, Clara Allen wished to celebrate the immortality promised to all by Christ. She would love to be remembered with funny, strange, or silly stories to celebrate what was good and blessed in her life. A memorial service is planned for 11:00 AM Saturday, January 14, 2023, at Myrtle Grove Presbyterian Church. Love you, Tuggie (Jess) Please comment stories and pictures you have below. Thank you!!!

  • January 03, 2023
    Jessica Mazzell (granddaughter) says:
    Funeral date has been changed. Location and time is the same. Saturday, January 14, 2023