Margaret Ann Allen

Celebrating the Life of Margaret Ann Allen Sunrise: July 22,1951 Sunset: September 21,2025 OBITUARY: Margaret Ann Allen affectionately known as “Big Ann” was born on July 22,1951 in Vance, Mississippi to the union of Bessie and Joe Allen Sr. Margaret was the first of 10 children born into this union. After relocating to Chicago, IL with her parents, Margaret attended Chicago Public Schools, which included Jessie Sherwood Grammar School and Jones Commercial High School. Margaret loved to have fun but she also worked very hard to provide for her family. She began her career at JET Food Store, moving on to the Chicago Housing Authoring, and retiring in 2014 from the Chicago Transit Authority. Margaret accepted Christ at the early age of 7. Later in life, she recommitted her life to the Lord and joined St. James Industrial Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Warner Pitts. Margaret’s health declined during this time but God knew her heart. Margaret made her transition from Earth to Heaven on Sunday, September 21, 2025. Margaret is preceded in death by her father: Joe Allen Sr., grandparents: Ethel and Willie Shaw/ Georgianna and Pastor Cebron Allen Sr., uncles: Cleofies Shaw, Roosevelt Shaw, Melvin Shaw, Alune Allen Sr., Deacon Cebron Allen Jr., and Charlie Allen, aunts: Dorothy Shaw-Johnson, and Marvis Shaw-Flowers, nephew: Thomas Walls Jr., and brother-In-law Willie Love. Margaret was a dedicated daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend. She loved her family. Margaret enjoyed traveling and always applauded her nieces and nephews for doing the same. She loved and knew how to party. In her later years, she didn’t mind being the ONLY auntie at the shindigs. Margaret loved hard and always said what was on her mind. Margaret had a giving heart and she shared a special connection with many. She will always be remembered as a woman with a strong spirit that could hold her own in any situation. Margaret leaves to cherish and carry on her legacy: Her devoted and beloved Mother, Bessie Allen, (2) sons: Lawrence Reaves Jr. (Grace) and LaShun Reaves, (1) daughter: Julia Marie Rosenje, (3) grandsons: Lawrence Reaves III, Quadeem Rosenje, and Christopher Adesina, (6) sisters: Shirley Bowman (Arnold), Joyce Allen-Love (Willie-preceded in death), Patricia Allen, Brenda Davis (James Jr.), Wanda Allen-Williams (Rudolph), and Jacqueline Allen-Russell (John), (3) brothers: Joe Allen Jr., Michael Allen, and LaSharn Allen (Pamela), (7) aunts: Carolyn Newbern, Bertha Glasper, Emma Merriweather of Memphis, TN, Sarah Harmon (Joseph), Lizzie Williams, Deola Shaw, Bertha Toliver (Tommie Sr.) of Chicago, IL, (2) uncles: Willie “Billy” Shaw Jr. and Verlon Shaw of Memphis, TN. Margaret also leaves behind to cherish her memory: a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and life long friends.

Margaret Ann Allen

July 22, 1951 - September 21, 2025