Thelma Jean Allen

Thelma Jean Allen, age 84, of Tampa, FL, formerly of Davenport, IA was born in Davenport, IA on May 23rd, 1939, to parents Leroy P. Allen and Thelma R. (Gash) Allen.  Thelma entered into eternal rest on May 8th, 2024, at home surrounded by her family. Per Thelma’s wishes, cremation rights have been accorded with burial at Oakdale Memorial Gardens, Davenport, IA.

Thelma graduated from Davenport High School in 1957 and the American Institute of Commerce (AIC), Davenport, IA receiving a diploma in secretarial and accounting skills where she perfected the practical art of Gregg Shorthand. After high school she was a Unit Secretary at Mercy Hospital, Davenport, IA, then a receptionist for the late Dr. William Garrett, Podiatrist. Thelma was later employed by HQ, Rock Island Arsenal as an administrative assistant in the Procurement Division and retired after 19 years of service. After retiring from the Federal Government, she moved to Tampa, FL and worked part-time as a library aide at Temple Terrace Library where she continued to master her knowledge and skills of the Dewey Decimal System learned at Jefferson Grade School, Davenport, IA. She was an avid reader

and enjoyed Astrology, studying the stars and planets. Our sister was one for detailed organization and she displayed control and knowledge of her accounts even in her declining years.

Sister, Baby Jean, Aunt Sister, enjoyed traveling and our earliest remembrance was a Greyhound

Bus trip to California with her good friend, Barbara Ball of Buffalo, IA. As her love of traveling grew, she would fly to Miami, FL and board cruise ships sailing to Jamaica, Bahamas, and other tropical island ports. In between those excursions, she would fly to Las Vegas to see Tom Jones and stay at her favorite hotel Ceasars Palace.

When Sister was in her mid- 50s, she decided she wanted to drive, and the family got a kick seeing her at the wheel of her green Chevy Caprice. But our fondest memories were seeing her drive all over the Quad Cities and having a good time, especially with “Mom” riding safely buckled in the back seat. Yes, there they would go Thelma J. and Thelma R. out on the town in the Green Hornet. 

Thelma is survived by four sisters: Nancy McDowell (Zeddie) Davenport, IA, Amie Denson Texas, Diana Johnson, Tampa, FL, and Wenonah Allen, Berkeley, CA, many nieces, and nephews. Thelma was the oldest daughter, and she lovingly shared her birthday, May 23rd, with her nephew Matthew McDowell the first grandchild. Thelma is preceded in death by her parents, nephews Jeffrey McDowell and Steven McDowell.

The family invites friends to share stories and condolences at TrimbleFuneralHomes.com.