Lena Allen Early

September 15, 1918 - November 3, 2011
Lena Allen Early

Memorial Gifts & Donations




Mrs. Lena Allen Early, 93, of Wilmington, NC, was called from her home into the presence of her Heavenly Father November 3, 2011. Mrs. Early was born September 15, 1918 in Fort Valley, Georgia, the daughter of Walter G. and Leslie Hall Allen.

She was a devoted servant of her Lord Jesus Christ, and the precious and much loved wife of Dr. Paul Davis Early. She graduated from Tift College and earned her MRE at Southern Theological Seminary, where she and Paul first met. Mrs. Early partnered with Dr. Early in pastorates in Kentucky; Red Springs, NC; Emporia, VA; and Greensboro,NC. Lena was a wonderful teacher and used her many gifts in each church, in the Greensboro city schools, and later on the mission field in the Bahamas, Trinidad, and Barbados, where she and Paul served together.

Surviving, besides her husband, are one son, Paul D. Early, Jr. and wife Linda for Winston Salem, two daughters, Miriam Picklesimer and husband John of Wilmington, Martha Rodenbeck and husband Fred of Highlands. Also surviving are Dave Early and KT Early; Leslie, Chris, Christopher, and Libby Plasky; John and Ashley Picklesimer; Christy and Dan Johnson; Rick, Leah, and Reed Rodenbeck.

Her life will be celebrated at 1 PM, Saturday, November 5, 2011 at College Acres Baptist on Eastwood Road, led by Dr. Andy Ickes.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts should be sent to the International Mission Board, PO Box 6767, Richmond, VA 23230-0767.

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


Purchase Flowers

Tribute Wall

Please feel free to sign the guestbook or share a memory



Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


  • November 05, 2011
    Moorad and Mary Alexanian says:
    Dear Miriam, We are sorry to hear of the death of your mother. We have some vivid, sweet memories of her when we first met your parents at the Bible study held in their home. We share your loss since both of us have lost our parents already to the Lord, which is a gain. We who remain are the legacies of our parents and we pray we do justice to them. We know the Lord said of your mother, “This is my beloved Lena, in whom I am well-pleased.” Mary and Moorad Alexanian

  • November 04, 2011
    Tom & Jimmy Wallace says:
    Miriam, We can't help but remember your sweet parents from our mission trip to the Bahamas. They were such vivacious, energetic people who certainly shared their Christian faith with everyone in the calm, happy way they lived. You are so fortunate to have had them around so long. Love to all, Tom & Jimmy

  • November 04, 2011
    Garland & Barbara Goode says:
    We are sorry to hear about your loss. We learned about it while we were traveling to Florida for a vacation. We know that you will miss her see her in heaven. We have missed you all. Love Garland and Barbara

  • November 07, 2011
    Larry & Peggy Wakefield says:
    We were saddened to hear of the passing of Lena. Our prayers are with you and your family during this time of loss. We pray for our retirees every morning. We will be joining that great group in 2014. May the Lord give you strength and fill to some extend the hole left by the death of your loving companion. Larry & Peggy, IMB, Tijuana

  • November 07, 2011
    Tony and Doris Costagliola says:
    Our condolences to the whole Early family. Recently, the following poem appeared in the newspaper and we thought it described your family: We little knew that morning, that God was going to call your name. In life we loved you dearly, in death we do the same. It broke our hearts to lose you, for part of us went with you, the day God called you home. You left us peaceful memories, your love is still our guide; and though we cannot see you, you are always at our side. Our family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same; but as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again. Love to all,