Mary Nell Allen

Mary Nell Allen, affectionately known as “Mama Nell,” passed away peacefully in Longview on Wednesday, December 21, 2022, at the age of 78.

Born on May 29, 1944, in Houston, Texas, Nell is survived by her daughter, Mary (Russell); grandson, Tobie (Alex); her great-granddaughter Merritt, and many relatives and great friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Odie and Kathryn Banks.

 Nell graduated from East Mountain High School and enjoyed spending time with her horses on her family’s farm. She graduated with a master's degree in Elementary Education and Library Science from East Texas State University.

Her teaching days began at her alma mater, East Mountain School, where she taught Junior High. When East Mountain schools closed, she began teaching at Gilmer Elementary School, where she taught second grade for 24 years. She spent the last 14 years of her career as the Gilmer High School Librarian, where she retired in 2002.

Nell lived out her days on her family’s farm in Glenwood. She enjoyed raising horses and cattle and was known to barrel race a time or two. She raised her daughter and grandson on that very farm and taught them the true meaning of hard work and responsibility. Nell enjoyed people and some would say she never met a stranger. Whether it was traveling to horse shows to see her beloved Palominos, or to the boats in Shreveport, she always had the best stories to tell. She had an incredibly special relationship with her five-year-old great-granddaughter, Merritt. They loved checking cows and farm animals together. Though her family will miss her stories and the time spent with her, Nell Allen left a legacy that will live on forever.

The family would like to send a special thank you to Paula Brooks. Paula was Mama Nell’s very best friend and caretaker.

In lieu of flowers, the family has set up the Mama Nell Memorial Scholarship Fund. Donations can be made at Credit Union of Texas in Gilmer.

Funeral services for Mary Nell Allen will be Tuesday, December 27th, at 10 a.m. at the Croley Funeral Home in Gilmer. The family will take visitors Monday, December 26th, from 6-8 p.m. at Croley Funeral Home.