A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, January 21, 2017 in the Chapel of Downs Funeral Home at 11:00a.m. with Rev. Joseph Collins, Jr. officiating. Dorothy Jean Allen began her journey to eternity on Friday, January 13, 2017.

Dorothy was born on January 26, 1945 in Silver Creek, Mississippi to the late Joe Cephus Newton and the late Arlena Gholar Newton. Dorothy was the oldest of four siblings. In 1956 the Newton family moved to New Orleans, LA and joined Sunlight Baptist Church. There she was a member of the junior choir where she also played piano. Dorothy began her Christian journey at a young age. She was baptized at Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church. She acquired her early education in New Orleans Public Schools and her secondary education at Dillard University and various business colleges.

In 1968, Dorothy was united in marriage to the late Albert Allen and to this union was born one son, Kip Hayward Allen and one daughter, Kimberly Arlena Allen. Dorothy was a dedicated Christian throughout her life. She served as a musician and was a member in many churches. She also participated in numerous political organizations where she sought to help others, making sure that her life was not lived in vain.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, parents, one grandson, and many uncles, aunts and other relatives.