Joan Maxine (Jeffress) Allen, 94

December 05, 2025

Joan Maxine (Jeffress) Allen passed away December 5, 2025. She was born in New York, NY on June 5, 1931. Joan was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Edward William Allen in 1998, sister-in-law Dolores Allen Staunton (White Plains, NY), parents – Anthony and Gladys Jeffress (Pittsburgh, PA), and sister – Marie Jeffress Osborne (Gene- living) (Laurel, MD). Her brother Anthony Jeffress, Jr. resides in Pittsburgh, PA.

She had four children: Edward Robert Allen (Millersville), Richard William Allen (Rose) (Montgomeryville Village, MD), Ronald James Allen (Roanoke, VA – deceased) and Rena Allen Daniels (Stacey – deceased), (Mathews, NC). A granddaughter Miesha Daniels Burton (Tyrone), grandsons Ron Allen, Jr., Edward L. Allen (Shyesha), and William Allen. Niece, Nicole Osborne Stupart (Rick) and nephew Scott Osborne. Four great-grandchildren: Serena Burton, Shamir Allen, Destinee Allen, and Eleyah Allen, as well as many cherished cousins and friends.

After attending public schools in Virginia, New York, NY, and Pittsburgh, PA; Joan graduated from South Hills High School in Pittsburgh. She later attended Business Training College (Now Point Park College), Millersville University, HACC, and F&M, in Lancaster, PA.

She was employed by the Lancaster New Era Newspaper for almost 25 years in the Photo Composition and Promotion Department. She also served as an Editor and Writer for SNIPS, the LNP employee newspaper.

Joan came to Lancaster from Elkhart, Indiana, when her husband was hired to establish a local branch of the National Urban League. While residing in Elkhart, IN, she served as a Girl Scout Brownie Leader, PTA Co-President of Roosevelt Elementary School and YWCA Board Member.

In Lancaster, she served as a Radio Reader for the Lancaster Sight Saving Association. As a member of First United Methodist Church of Millersville, she served on church committees and as a Communion Steward, Mission Chairperson and was active in the United Methodist Women’s group.

Joan’s hobbies included photography, freelance writing, gardening, and travel. She enjoyed many adventurous trips throughout the United States and in France, England, and Canada.

Those who knew her well will always remember her fondness for fried chicken, chocolate ice cream, and the music of Johnny Mathis.

As she takes her well earned rest, Joan has left behind her an enthusiasm for life that we will never forget.