Margaret Poer Allen, born August 9, 1939, passed away peacefully on June 2, 2017. She is now rejoicing in heaven in the arms of her late husband and high school sweetheart, Ivan III, who passed away in 1992. Daughter of Margaret Poer Moor and Dr. David Henry Poer, Mrs. Allen grew up in Atlanta on Tuxedo Road. She attended E. Rivers Elementary School and graduated from The Westminster Schools in 1957 where she served as class president, was a cheerleader and member of the Homecoming Court, National Honor Society and Honor Council. She received her BA degree from Hollins College and graduated in 3 years in order to marry Ivan. She later earned a MA in Political Science from the University of Georgia.
Following their wedding, Mr. and Mrs. Allen moved to Athens, GA where Mr. Allen graduated from Naval Supply School and then served as a Navy officer for 2 years. They returned to Atlanta as Mr. Allen took the reins of the family business, Ivan Allen Company, and Mrs. Allen embraced her role as a devoted wife, supporting Ivan in his business and civic endeavors. She was an outstanding hostess, equally comfortable entertaining at their home or family farm. Welcoming and gracious to all, she felt that the perfect party always included upbeat music and an early ending time so guests departed while still having fun.
The Allens were avid travelers, especially enjoying hunting, fishing and hiking trips with family and friends. They were both passionate about the outdoors and the family farm where they retreated from the stresses of the city to recharge and connect with nature. Mrs. Allen was an accomplished marksman and guide, and while hiking, found solace in the sunsets, rolling hills and freshly cut fields. Most Saturdays, she listened to the outdoor shows on the radio and loved to share tips and stories with her family and friends. Mrs. Allen also loved to be active and you could find her atop one of her beloved horses even late in life.
Mrs. Allen found pleasure in serving others and was a devoted volunteer at the Atlanta Public Library during their annual Book Sale, served as a tutor for illiterate teens and was very active in the Junior League of Atlanta and the German Shepherd Dog Club of Atlanta. She was a lifelong member of First Presbyterian Church, volunteering at funerals and supporting the church's music programming.
Mrs. Allen was selfless, giving and always striving to turn attention to others. She kept miniature snickers in her car to share with the attendants at the service station, she left an oatmeal cream pie out for the sanitation workers who took her trash, and she was generous in her outpouring of love, always focusing on the positive and never saying a negative word about anyone. She was genuine and gracious and never lost her giving spirit even as Parkinson's took over her body.
She took great joy in her children and grandchildren who will miss their "Emmy" dearly. They will always remember her lifetime of compassion and kindness to others. She is survived by son, Ivan Allen, IV (Blain Ashmore), daughter, Amanda Allen Thompson (Knox); sisters Martha Poer Sibley and Liz Poer Hanger (Jimmy); brother David Henry Poer (Louise); and grandchildren Ivan Allen V, William Henry Allen, Hailey McLauren Thompson, Allen Knox Thompson, Taylor Gray Upchurch and Jordan Ashmore Upchurch.
A memorial service for Margaret Poer Allen will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta on June 8th at 2:00PM. The family will receive friends immediately following the service in the Fellowship Hall. Arrangements provided by H. M. Patterson & Son, Spring Hill Chapel, 404-876-1022. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to The Carter Center 453 Freedom Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30307 or a charity of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by H.M. Patterson & Son-Spring Hill Chapel.
October 18, 2017
Acquaintance
Catherine Hammonds
Mrs. Allen was a beautiful person and I enjoyed the short time that I was acquainted with her she was kind and she loved her family and she will be missed
June 7, 2017
Wayne Dubiel
Margaret will be missed in our community. I enjoyed being her friend for many years.
June 7, 2017
Bill Carter
Dear Allen family, Please accept my deepest sympathies for your loss. May God's peace be with you now and always.
June 6, 2017
Heartfelt condolences are extended to your family at this difficult time. Seek the love and support God provides to help you cope during this time - Psalms 29:11
June 6, 2017
Alona
May the God of comfort sustain you during this very difficult time.(Psalms 55:22)
June 6, 2017
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
June 6, 2017
Charles A
Offering our deepest condolences to the family and friends in your hour of grief.
June 6, 2017
Lennah
My deepest condolences is with the Allen family, may friends and family as well as 1Thessalonians 4:14 be a source of comfort to you during your grief
June 6, 2017
D S
My condolences to the family. May God give your family peace and comfort during this difficult time. Psalms 116:15
June 6, 2017
May the God of all comfort be with you during this difficult time
June 5, 2017
Diana
So very sorry for your loss. May your treasured memories remain close to your heart to comfort you and give you some peace now and through the years. Psalm 18:2
June 5, 2017
Wilson
May the God of all comfort strengthen the family during this time of deep sorrow. Those who pass on, God keeps in his memory because they are precious in his eyes. My sincerest condolences. (Psalms 116:15)
June 5, 2017
To her lovely family. My deepest condolence to you. May our god of love and mercy bring you great comfort and peace.mathew 5:4
June 5, 2017
I am so sorry for your loss I hope the words at revaluation 21:3,4 bring you some comfort.
June 5, 2017
Rev. 21:4
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
June 5, 2017
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
June 5, 2017
My deepest sympathy to family and friends for your loss. May your treasured memories and prayer provide your with comfort at this time.
June 5, 2017
Charles A
Offering our deepest condolences to the family and friends in your hour of grief.
June 5, 2017
Please remember the God of comfort during this difficult time and days ahead.
June 5, 2017
May the God of all comfort be with you during this difficult time
June 5, 2017
BH
Sorry for your loss may there be comfort in knowning that god cares for you. 1 peter 5 : 7
June 4, 2017
Cynthia Fox
Lovely obituary for a very special lady. Hang in there
Ivan and Amanda. Much love
June 4, 2017
Vera Yeboah
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