Willerd Franklin Allen Jr. was the son of the late Annie Mae Dingle Allen and Willerd Franklin Allen Sr.; one of ten children. He was full of compassion, grace, and love for his family and his fellow man. After 21 years of dialysis, Willerd peacefully departed this life on October 30, 2025. Through every trial, he never complained and would often say, "God's grace is sufficient." Following his mother's passing, he adopted her mantra: "I'm living to live again."

The Early Years

Willerd was educated in the Baltimore City Public School System. He attended Abraham Lincoln Elementary School, Harlem Park Jr. High School, and Carver Vocational Technical High School, where he excelled in the trowel trade. As a proud member of the VICA Club, he won numerous competitions; he could build a wall in minutes. Willerd's magnetic personality and popularity made him Carver's King for the 1977-78 school year.

After graduating high school, Willerd's swift and skillful trowel earned him an apprenticeship with a prestigious construction company. His exceptional craftsmanship, leadership, and natural ability to teach quickly advanced him to the position of foreman. In addition to masonry, Willerd mastered plumbing and electrical work; he learned every trick of the trade.

Vocation and Accomplishments

After many years as a foreman for several construction companies along the DMV corridor, Willerd returned to Carver as an instructor in the trowel trades. Determined to refine his calling, he earned his teaching certificate to validate his God-given gift. Willerd had a special ability to reach even the most challenging students. He often said, "I have to break down a boy to build a man." Over the years, he built many men; beginning with his younger brothers and nephews.

During summer breaks, Willerd would arrive at his mother's house at 6 a.m., shouting, "Ready roll, boys, ready roll!" The young men would come home exhausted and muddy; but he would grin and say, "Be ready at 6 a.m.; we've got to get the loot!"

Willerd instilled in his students the values of hard work, punctuality, and dependability. During his tenure at Carver High School, he was nominated Teacher of the Year for three consecutive years. He also received a Governor's Citation Award for Excellence in the Trowel Trades; was inducted into the Carver Vocational Technical Hall of Fame; and earned numerous other honors and accolades.

Spiritual Journey

Willerd loved God deeply and shared his testimony with everyone he met. He was never ashamed or afraid to praise God anywhere. His love for God's people and His house was unwavering. In 2008, he joined God's Perfect Will Ministries to support his brother, Pastor Terry Allen, in ministry. In 2019, he returned to his family church, Nebo Christian Ministries, where he remained a devoted member until his passing. Willerd cherished his church family; and held a special love for his beloved Bishop Larry E. Williams.

Willie the Man

Willie was an encourager in every area of his life. At the dialysis center, he celebrated everyone's birthday; hosted parties; dressed up in costumes; and passed out candy to lift the spirits of fellow patients. He was an avid bowler, he was a member of several leagues; and whenever he bowled a strike, the alley would erupt in a joyful "Hallelujah!"—praising God for a good score.

He loved his electric race car collection and often took his nieces, nephews, and grandkids to the park to play with the cars for hours. Another of his favorite pastimes was watching the sunrise. Willie could often be found at Federal Hill at 5 a.m., thanking God for another day of grace and mercy.

Above all, Willie loved his family. His daughters Jadea Allen and Sherita May were the apples of his eyes; they filled his life with pride, joy, and love. He supported his family spiritually, financially, and physically; there was nothing he wouldn't do for someone in need.

Willie was the comedian of the family; you could hear his laughter before you saw him. It wasn't a party until Willie arrived! He was loved by everyone who met him and will be deeply missed.

Cherished Memories He leaves to treasure his memory daughters, Jadea Allen (Raven) and Sherita May; godson Troy Harkless (Amber); siblings Delores Cook, Sue Edmondson (William), Mae Allen, Terry Allen, and Jerry Allen (Rachelle); godparents Mr. and Mrs. Bey; and dear friends Camille Cook, Lavonda Shelton, Alda Rose, Carmen, Michael Fulwood, Lovelis Hawkins, and Gene Howard. He also leaves behind his beloved Nebo Christian Ministries family; his DaVita Greenspring Dialysis family; his bowling families from Woodlawn AMF, Brunswick Zone, and Normandy Lanes; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.