Ester Mae Allen: Loris
Screenshot
1947 – 2026
Ester Mae Allen of Loris passed away on Monday, Feb. 23, at McLeod Loris hospital. She was 78.
Born Sept. 25, 1947, in Conway, she was the daughter of the late Vollie Allen and the late Ethel Todd Allen.
Ms. Allen raised three girls in a small house in Bayboro, where money was tight but love was abundant. The home she shared with her father, Vollie, remained the family gathering place for decades- holidays, summer weekends, and spontaneous visits from kids, grandkids, family, and friends- always filled with unconditional love.
Ester was a master in the kitchen. She believed everything tasted better with a little extra grease, and she proudly assured you her cooking was always the best you’d ever eat. She especially loved making pumpkin pies and chocolate and pear cakes for her brothers and sisters.
Ester will be remembered by everyone because you always knew exactly where you stood with her. She either liked you or she didn’t- there was no in-between. As her children, we’re still not entirely sure which side we landed on (though Janie was the favorite and Bobbie was the boss). Ester was known for her lack of patience, her honesty, and her talent for telling it like it was. She always told the truth, even when it wasn’t what you wanted to hear. And yes- she certainly left behind a whole lot of belongings for her daughters, who have absolutely no idea what to do with it all.
Survivors include her loving daughters, Bobbie Pate (Robbie) and Janie Lynn Allen; six grandchildren, Kelcey Fontenot, Ashley Hardee (Dalton), Christian “Buck” Wilson, Haley Wilson (Alex), and Matthew Wilson; great-grandchildren, Anna Bannister, River Bannister, Blakely Hardee, and another precious addition expected in September. She adored all of her grandchildren, though she was particularly convinced that Kelcey and Christian “Buck” could do no wrong. She also left behind brothers, Vollie Coleman Allen (Lois) and James Allen (Becky); and sisters, Elizabeth Dew, Shirley Thompkins, and Janice Montgomery (Jimmy).
In addition to her parents, Ms. Allen was predeceased by her loving daughter, Sandy Lynn Allen; granddaughter, Heather Grace Allen; sister, Vonnie Mae Allen, and brothers-in-law, Grady Dew and Billy Thompkins. All who loved her will forever remember her tenacity, wit, charm, and unwavering love and care.
The family would like to extend a special “Thank You” to her sister Elizabeth Dew and great niece Cherish Allen (Nikki) for helping care for her in her final days.
Funeral services were planned for 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26, at Hardwick Memorial Chapel with Rev. Ross Altman officiating, committal services following at Hillcrest Cemetery.
Family planned to receive friends during the hour preceding services at Hardwick Funeral Home.
Sign a guest register here.
