Mary Ann Harper Allen

Mary Ann Harper Allen passed away while at home surrounded by her family on Sunday, December 5, 2021. Although declining health had slowed her down in recent years, she will be remembered as a strong and vibrant force of good in the lives of her family, friends, and community. She was a self-proclaimed “Steel Magnolia” who savored each joy, grew from every challenge, and lived each day to the fullest.

Born and raised in Greenville, SC, Mary Ann was the only child of the late James Bruce and Nancy Bowie Harper. Mary Ann enjoyed the company of others and made it her life’s dream to one day have a family of her own. After graduating from Greenville High School, she attended and graduated from Columbia College.

Mary Ann first met her future husband at a sorority dance at the Poinsett Hotel when she was 14 years old. Van Fleming Allen was a soft-spoken young man, two years her senior, who marveled at her beauty, gregariousness, and charm. The couple married on April 20, 1955 and soon moved to Fort Richardson Army Base in Anchorage, Alaska where Van, being a recent graduate of The Citadel, was stationed. Although many young Southern Belles would long for the warmth of home, Mary Ann embraced Alaska and Army life and made life-long friends. After 66 wonderful years together, Van is still grateful for that first dance and the wealth of memories that followed.

After returning home to South Carolina and settling in Greenville, Mary Ann became a mother of three and was a successful homemaker who took enormous pride in caring for her home and raising her children. She excelled at cooking all the family favorites and became quite a gourmet who loved to try new recipes especially from her favorite cook, Ina Garten, the Barefoot Contessa. She was always a gracious hostess who celebrated every holiday and milestone in style and according to her family traditions. Mary Ann wanted everyone in her orbit to feel loved and special and knew precisely how to achieve it!

After retirement, Van and Mary Ann purchased Camp Parker, the original home of Camp Greenville. Over the next 5 years, they tirelessly worked to convert the square-dance hall into a mountain home which they would share for many years. The memories of the countless celebrations that were hosted here will live on for generations to come.

Mary Ann was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Greenville Junior League. During her leisure time, she enjoyed decorating her home, antique shopping, traveling, getting together with friends, and spending quality time with each grandchild. Mimi was a generous, positive and affectionate grandmother who will never be forgotten.

Those left to tell her numerous stories include her devoted husband of 66 years, Van Fleming Allen of Greenville; a son and daughter-in-law, Mark H. and Bridget C. Allen of Greenville; a daughter Phyllis Allen Farmer of Greenville; four grandchildren, Dr. Harper Allen and his wife Dr. Rachael Allen of Greenville, Dr. Sarah Barnes and her husband Dr. Jack Barnes of Little Rock, AR, Frank Hunter Farmer III of Greenville (presently stationed in Ft. Bragg, NC), and Rivers MacMillan Farmer of Greenville (presently in Leeds, U.K.).

She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Nancy Harper and a beloved daughter, Darby Ann Allen.

Visitation will be held at Thomas McAfee Funeral Home, Downtown Chapel on Thursday, December 16, 2021 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, Mary Ann’s family kindly requests memorial contributions be made to the Darby Allen Memorial Scholarship at the SCGSAH Foundation, P.O. Box 8458, Greenville, SC 29604 and online at https://www.scgsah.org/make-a-gift.

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