Sharon Darnell Lilly Allen of River Ridge, LA was welcomed into the arms of her heavenly father on Saturday, May 7, 2022 at the age of 77. Sharon was born on January 11, 1945 in Gillsburg, MS.

Sharon is preceded in death by her husband of 51 years Robert Earl Allen (Bob), her parents, Evie Lee (Bud) and Edna Lilly, sister Lajoyce Bergeron, and brother Hugh Lilly.  She is survived by a brother, Harry Lilly, three daughters, Renee Schober (Wil), Lisa Frabbiele (Joseph), and Robyn Foret (Robert). In addition, she leaves behind five grandchildren who were loved by her beyond measure: Jacob and Brandon Frabbiele, Jesse Allen (Nicole), and Julia and Sophia Foret.

Sharon grew up on a dairy farm in rural Amite County, MS. Thanks to a fortunate basketball game she attended, she met Bob Allen whom she married six months later. Since he was currently serving in the Navy and stationed in Milton, FL, she left the country life of Mississippi only to end up living in a converted barn until Bob finished his enlistment. While there, the couple welcomed their first daughter, Renee, and quickly adjusted to life with a newborn.

Her next step in life was moving to Jefferson, LA, where three years after Renee's birth,they welcomed Lisa.  A move to Metairie followed, and six years later Robyn was born. Life was obviously very busy for them with three daughters, but they handled it well as their children always knew they were loved.  Life continued peacefully for them as they built a house in River Ridge and settled in for the years ahead.  Sharon's second life began with the birth of her first grandchild, Jacob.

Both Bob and Sharon dreamed of and spoke VERY OFTEN of their hopes for grandchildren, and with Jacob's birth, Sharon had a glow about her that had not existed prior. She was Jacob's caretaker while Lisa worked. Her entire life revolved around him, and it was no surprise after spending so much time with her that as a young toddler he could order his own diet Coke while out with her. After spending a magnificent year with him, Sharon was given the news that she had not one but two more grandsons arriving which would give her three under the age of two. She may have had a slight moment of panic, but that was quickly erased with the news that Bob would be home with her to help. Together, they spoiled Jacob, Jesse, and Brandon rotten.  All three boys absolutely knew when strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries were in season.

Fast forward a couple of years and the boys were in school. Sharon wasn't disappointed or empty handed though, because Julia came into the world to give her renewed joys of loving, rocking, and taking care of a baby.  When Bob's health began a slow decline, Sharon was not only making sure his every need was cared for but also loving on the caboose, Sophia. Sharon knew this was her last, and both she and Bob spent every day making memories with her.

One of Sharon's greatest pleasures was being able to share her childhood home with the grandchildren. All were given great days at the river and exploring trails in the woods.

When not with the grandchildren, Sharon enjoyed traveling. Once school was out, she and Bob crossed the country with his sister, Eva. They enjoyed beautiful scenic escapes, much picture taking from Bob, and endless fruit stands with Sharon along with one of her favorite pastimes of antique shopping. Those days spent with Eva created many beautiful memories for Sharon, and we looked forward to their return from each trip eager to hear of their adventures.

Throughout every stage of her life's journey after she moved to Jefferson, Elaine Barr was there. A dedicated friend who is more like a family member. She gave Sharon more hours on the phone than can be counted, endless laughs, and a trusted ear.

Although Sharon dedicated every ounce of her strength to helping Bob, when he passed, so did a part of her.  While we are incredibly grief stricken to lose her, we know she has passed through the pearly gates to be with her Lord and savior where her husband is waiting to find out what took her so long, her sister is waiting to swap stories, her brother is watching from the sidelines, and her former sister-in-law Shirley has already planned her welcome home party.

Services will be held to celebrate Sharon's homecoming on Saturday, May 14, 2022 at Mount Vernon Baptist Church. Visitation will be from 10:00-12:00 with a service beginning at 12:00. Burial will be at the Stewart-Wall Cemetery following the service.