Lucy Jane Allen, a treasured member of her family, passed away peacefully on February 17, 2026, at Matthews Medical Center. Born December 16, 1941, at Mecklenburg County Hospital, Jane was the eldest of five daughters of Gene and Rachel Allen, both of whom preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by a sister, Ann Frazer and a beloved nephew, Marlon Jenkins. Left to cherish fond memories of fun times with Jane are her three loving sisters, Becky Jenkins, Judy Hall, and Peggy Allen, along with nieces, nephews, and many great-nieces and great-nephews.

Jane, a native Charlottean, grew up in East Charlotte where she spent many joyful, carefree days outside with her four younger sisters, playing in the woods behind the home their father built. Whether playing hopscotch, climbing up on the big rocks behind their home, or building playhouses with the moss off the ground for their dolls, the Allen girls were all very active and industrious. Many summers were spent together as a family at their summer home on Lake Lure. And although Jane never learned to swim, she could often be found lounging in the sun on the top deck or in the kitchen with her Mama preparing food and meals for the family.

Jane retired from Independence High School, preparing and serving lunches for 30 years. After retirement, Jane devoted a lot of time to New Hope Baptist Church where she was a long time member. Jane found much pleasure in the simple joys of life, serving alongside her church family in the church kitchen, visiting with family and friends, and going out to eat or going to get her nails done. She was always "ready to go" when someone would plan a trip or drop by and invite her to go out.

In her early years of retirement, Jane enjoyed taking day trips with her family and friends. She was always a joy to be with and fit in well with groups of all shapes and sizes. Jane’s life was filled with many blessings; some of her proudest moments included when her nephew Marlon and his family moved back to Charlotte from Florida. Jane loved spending time with Marlon, Nicole, and Rachel and cherished Marlon and his family living close by.

The pieces of Jane's life can be compared to the puzzles she worked. Each piece was unique to Jane. Unlike most puzzle workers, Jane started with the center pieces and worked her way out to the edges. Likewise, Jane's life centered on her faith in Jesus and her friends and family. Her sister, Becky, would often come alongside to help her with the puzzles and no matter how many times Becky suggested to Jane that she should start with the outer edges, Jane started in the center. As they would near completion, Jane would grab up the last piece and hurry to put it in. Jane would laugh in doing so, feeling the great satisfaction of putting the last piece in and furthermore being the first one to see and celebrate the finished work. In like manner … this week, Jesus put the last piece in of Jane's earthly life and in doing so, He and all the saints of Heaven rejoiced seeing the finished work of Lucy Jane Allen. “For we are God’s masterpiece, created anew in Christ Jesus.” Ephesians 2:10

The family would like to thank Becky for all of her many years of love and care for Jane; for all of the grace and patience with Jane; and for being her best friend and companion all the years of their lives together. The family would also like to thank Manuel Carrillo and his crew for being Jane's personal "home healthcare team". 

A celebration of Jane’s life will be held Friday, February 20, 2026, beginning with visitation at the chapel in Sunset Memory Gardens, 8901 Lawyers Road, Mint Hill from 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM, followed by a graveside service starting at 2:00 PM. A cherished friend, Mr. Jeff Smith, will lead the service for Jane. Friends and family are ALL cordially invited to a Celebration of Life at the Family Life Center of New Hope Baptist Church, 7841 Idlewild Road. It will be a time of food and fellowship and sharing memories of Jane, beginning at 3:00 PM.

The puzzle pieces of Jane's life are now complete. Each piece perfectly in place according to the masterpiece and finished work the Lord designed. Jane's warm spirit and joyful presence will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved her. We love you, Jane!