Obituary of Clara Lee Allen
Clara Lee Epps was born in Monroe, Michigan on November 19, 1960. She was the daughter of James Edward Robinson and Elizabeth Jane (Wood) Epps. She attended Monroe Public Schools graduating from Monroe High School with the Class of 1978. She continued her education at Monroe County Community College with a focus on accounting. Clara served her country honorably in the United States Army.
In December of 1985, Clara married Richard Allen. A lifelong Monroe resident “Cookie” as she was lovingly referred was well-known and well-loved throughout the community. Her bubbly personality was infectious.
Clara was a food afficionado. She loved good food and she wasn’t afraid to tell someone when it wasn’t. For many years she worked in various restaurants throughout the community as a cook obtaining valuable experience. This experience led her to being called to serve as the Kitchen Manager for the past eight years at the Oaks of Righteousness Christian Ministries Center. Prior to ever taking the position at Oaks she was feeding the community. She was selfless and a giver, her door was always open and there was always room for one more around the table. Cookie loved the Lord, she was everybody’s mother, and she did her best to pray and provide for everyone.
Although, Clara, preferred to stay out of other people’s business, she was an excellent listener. She gave great advice and was more than willing to speak her mind when asked.
Clara Lee Allen, age 60, of Monroe passed away unexpectedly on Saturday; November 13, 2021 at her home. Her passing was preceded by her parents; a daughter: Andrea Epps; and a son: Bryan Allen.
To cherish her memory she leaves her beloved husband of nearly thirty-six years: Richard Allen of Monroe; three children: Erick Allen of Monroe, Jaime (Eugene) Jones of Monroe, and Marilynn Allen of Monroe; two grandbabies that she was raising as her own: Zyshonne Horton and Zaniyah Watkins-Epps; three sisters: Katherine Epps of Monroe, Patricia White of Monroe, Loraine (Shawn) Roberts of Toledo; two brothers: Morris Epps Sr. of California and Albert (Holly) Epps Sr. of Honolulu, Hawaii; fourteen grandchildren; and eighteen nieces and nephews; her Oaks Family; and a loving community who told you they were Cookie’s family.
Friends may gather from 1:00pm until 3:00pm on Friday; November 19, 2021 at Merkle Funeral Service, South Monroe; 14567 South Dixie Highway, Monroe, Michigan 48161 (734) 241-7070. A Homegoing Celebration of Her Life will be held at 3:00pm with Pastor Heather Boone of Oaks of Righteousness Christian Ministries Center officiating. Cremation will follow through Covenant Cremation of Erie, Michigan.
Memorials in her honor are suggested to Oak of Righteousness. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.