1948-2025
Jessie Allen was born on April 23, 1948, to Jessie F. Allen and Virgie M. Lewis. He was raised in Montrese, Arkansas, alongside his parents and siblings.
Jessie accepted Christ and was baptized at an early age. He was a faithful member of First Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Austin, where he served diligently. As a teenager, Jessie taught Sunday School and later became a deacon, demonstrating his deep commitment to his faith and church community.
Jessie was a talented musician and artist. He loved playing music on his guitar and had a remarkable gift for drawing and art. He graduated from Central High School in Lake Village, Arkansas, with the Class of 1967. Jessie earned a scholarship in art; however, he was unable to attend college due to being drafted into the United States Army.
During his military service, Jessie served honorably and received numerous awards, including:
· Purple Heart for wounds received in action on June 27, 1968, in the Republic of Vietnam
· Army Commendation Medal for meritorious service from April 1968 to March 1969
· Air Medal for meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight missions in the Republic of Vietnam from May 1968 to September 1968
Jessie received an Honorable Discharge from the United States Army in October 1973.
Following his military service, Jessie began his career at Georgia-Pacific Mill in Crossett, Arkansas. He later relocated to Little Rock, Arkansas, where he worked various jobs and continued his education at Little Rock Vocational School. There, he earned certificates in Engineering and Art. Jessie eventually retired due to illness.
Jessie remained active in his faith throughout his life. He attended Old South Temple COGIC, now known as Greater South Temple, and later became a member of Greater Christ Temple Pentecostal Church of Little Rock.
Jessie leaves to cherish his memory his loving siblings:
Will H. Allen (Rose) of McGehee, Arkansas;
Alice (Allen) Perry, Sylvia (Allen) Worthy, Angela Allen (Earl) Green, and Patricia A. Allen, all of Little Rock, Arkansas.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jessie F. Allen and Virgie M. Lewis; his sister, Helen (Rankin) Harvey; and his brother, Charlie Allen.
Visitation: Tuesday, December 30, 2025, 10:00 AM South Temple COGIC 2623 Arch Street Little Rock, AR 72206
Celebration of Life: Tuesday, December 30, 2025, 12:00 PM Veteran's National Cemetery 1501 West Maryland Avenue North Little Rock, AR 72120
