Jo Ann Long Allen

JoAnn L. Allen (11/25/1932-07/16/2021)Was born in Columbia, South Carolina to Julius Vernon Long and Ruby Evelyn Boland Long. She had one brother Ray who predeceased her in 2012. She lived in Columbia, S.C. until she went to Rock Hill, South Carolina for one semester at Winthrop College.Following that one semester, she met, fell in love and married her husband of 68 years, Walter Gregory Allen, Jr. He predeceased her by only 14 months. By him she had three wonderful step-daughters, Janet, Carol, and Marty. And later, Vivian was born. In her early years, she was very active in The Garden Club and The Womens Club of Jacksonville, serving many offices. Later, she decided to return to finish her education. She completed her Bachelors in Science with a Math major in 1970. Later she completed her Masters in Math in 1974. Both degrees were earned at Jacksonville University. For a very brief time she taught math at what was then called Jacksonville Episcopal High School. She was an administrator for Colonial Properties for many years, a business started by both Walter Gregory Allen, Sr and Walter Gregory Allen, Jr. Upon Vivians return to Jacksonville to set up her practice, JoAnn helped her start her solo practice. She subsequently became the Administrator of the Allen Eye Center until she retired at age 83. JoAnn was also a member of Christ Episcopal Church in Ponte Vedra, Florida for many years.Everyone who knew JoAnn, knew she loved to laugh. Always seeing the bright side of life, she was a mentor and confidant to so many who knew her. She was a classy, gentile southern lady.She is survived by her daughter and step-daughters, cousin Kippy, many grandchildren, great grandchildren as well as nephews and nieces. She is predeceased by her husband, brother and another daughter Heather who died in infancy. A Celebration of her Life will be held at Christ Episcopal Church, Saturday, July 31, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to St. Judes Childrens Research Hospital, Community Hospice of Jacksonville, or to Christ Episcopal Church..Memorial ServiceChrist Episcopal ChurchSaturday, July 31, 202111:00 AM400 San Juan DrivePonte Vedra Beach, Florida 32082