Mrs. Iris Allen

On Sunday, October 5, 2014, God assigned an angel of mercy to whisper the good news to Sister Iris, that it was now time to lay her burdens down and come o up to bright glory. So, Iris made her transition from this place to paradise into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Iris Frances Wade was born on October 9, 1950 in Valdosta, Georgia to the parentage of Reverend Willie Frank Wade and Clara Jean Hodge. She was the eldest of six siblings. At the age of 10, she joined the Freewill Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Conyers. She remained a faithful member until she moved to Miami, Florida.

Iris was joined in holy matrimony to Minister Bobby L. Allen, Sr. on January 17th, 1984.

In 1989, along with her son, Shahmaal, Iris joined the New Shiloh Church family under the leadership of Reverend Dr. Arthur Jackson, Sr. She served faithfully as a member of the Deaconess Ministry, the Christian Education Department, and the Mission Ministry. In 2011, she united with the Peaceful Zion Church family under the leadership of Reverend Dr. C.P. Preston, Jr. She served faithfully as a member of the Deaconess Ministry, Ministers’ Wives Ministry, Mission Ministry, and Pastor’s Aid Ministry. Within these various ministries, Iris served as Chairperson and/or Coordinator of numerous programs and events, and she always served with excellence, creativity, and style. As a member of the Baptist Ministers Wives and Ministers’ Widows Council of the Greater Miami vicinity, she served faithfully locally as the Assistant Chaplain and attended numerous conventions.

A Lover of Learning

Iris received her basic education in Lowndes County Public School System and graduated at the age of 16 from Pinevale High School. As a lover of learning, Iris received her LPN License from Valdosta Technical & Vocational Center and an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Valdosta State College. Upon her move to Miami, Iris earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Miami Dade Collage and Florida International University. Still pursuing higher learning, she earned her teaching credentials at Florida Memorial University. She continued her education by earning her Master’s Degree in Guidance and Counseling from St. Thomas University and received a letter of recommendation to attend St. Thomas School of Law.

Exemplary Educator

Iris began her teaching career in the Miami-Dade County Public School (MDCPS) System, teaching at Shadow Lawn Elementary in 1985. She taught at Miami Park, Whispering Pines, Finburg Fisher, Earlington Heights, and Opa-Locka (Dr. Robert B. Ingram) Elementary Schools. From 1998 to 1999, she was honored as Teacher of the Year at Earlington Heights and as Region III’s Teacher of the Year, thusly becoming a candidate for Miami-Dade County’s Teacher of the Year. Iris conducted Peer Workshops in Reading Curriculum, supervised FIU interns, served as Chairperson of Black History and Hispanic Heritage luncheons and programs. She spearheaded Poetry Day, as well as Visiting Authors and “Flat Stanley” programs, which have a national focus. She even found time to work in the Dial-A-Teacher program, tutoring and helping students via telephone in 2010 with their homework assignments. She retired with 25 years of dedicated service from MDCPS.

“Servant Par Excellence”

Sister Iris was affiliated with numerous social and civic organizations, and she served well in all of them, namely: National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc., Alpha Delta Chapter, Black History Christmas Activity Chairperson for several years, Epistoleus for one and a half terms, Sorors Achievement Alpha Delta Chapter 2012-2013, South East Region 2013-2014, 1st Runner Up National 2014-2015, candidate for National Soror’s Achievement 2015-2016 (Iris will be entered for the honor per request of the National Executive Board of Directors.), Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. Miami Chapter, Order of the Eastern Stars, United Teachers of Dade, Miami Light House, Little River Home Owners Association, and the Community Partnership Feeding Program.

The celebration of life for the late Mrs. Iris Allen will be held Saturday, October 18, 2014 at 1:00pm from the sanctuary of Morning Star Baptist Church.

Dr. William C. Morgan will officiate.

Interment will follow in the Sunset Hill Cemetery.