With sadness, love, and profound gratitude, the family of Fran Lawson Allen, 79, devoted wife of the late Jim Allen, announces her passing on Saturday, February 26, 2022.
Born in Union, SC, she was the daughter of the late Elzie Ray and Lorene Vinson Lawson.
Fran graduated with a BA in Education from Winthrop University and received her Masters in School Administration from Clemson University. She taught French at both Woodmont High and Riverside High, and she retired as Principal from Mauldin High in 2000. After retirement, she was Assistant Principal at Greenville Tech Charter High School.
Fran chose to become an educator because she loved children. Helping young people discover a passion for learning was her true joy in life. She lived an active and vibrant life enjoying each day to the fullest. Independent and self-reliant, she lived life wisely on her own terms. She was a faithful member of First Baptist Simpsonville.
Fran is survived by her sister, Helen Lawson; caregiver and cousin, Barbara Brown; son, Tim Allen; grandson, Blake Allen and wife, Kayce; granddaughter, Crystal Steelman and husband, Clayte; two great- granddaughters, Gertrude Allen and Ashby Steelman; two great-grandsons, Baker Steelman and James Allen. Special friends include Bill and Pat Barrett, Andy and Rebecca Thomason, Nanette Holloway, Liz and Dan Morrisey, Curt and Pam Spearman, Cass Cochran, Elaine Prarat,and Jeannie and Bob Duke as well as the dedicated medical staff at Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her daughter-in-law, Tonya Allen; and nephews, Ken Lawson and Dean Lawson.
A visitation will be held Thursday, March 03, 2022 from 9:45 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. at Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes, Southeast followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel. The committal will be at 2:00 p.m. in the Putman Baptist Church Cemetery, 3692 Buffalo-West Springs Highway, Buffalo, SC 29321.
Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, Simpsonville, 3 Hedge Street, Simpsonville, SC 29681.
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