Mrs. Marie Gilbert Allen, 86, of Hampton, GA passed away on Tuesday, September 6, 2011. She was born on March 9, 1925 in Rex, GA and was the daughter of James Matthew and Annie Pearl Strickland Gilbert.

Marie was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and sister. She spent many years as a teacher for special needs children at the South West Center for Exceptional Children. Marie later went on to work for Weight Watchers, where she eventually retired.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Grady V. Allen; brothers, Wyatt Gilbert, Royal Gilbert and Elbert Gilbert; sisters, Bernice Gilbert, Etheleen Wallace and twin, Mary Jinks.

Survivors include brother, Robert Gilbert of Stockbridge, GA and sister, Joyce Bowen of Forest Park, GA; daughter, Jean Moore and her husband, Yancey of Cedartown, GA; son, John Allen and his wife, Dondi of Cocoa Beach, FL; daughter, Janice Brackett and her husband, Kirk of Hampton, GA; grandchildren, Amy Orebaugh, Meril Dailey, Daniel Brackett and Devin Brackett; four great-grandchildren plus numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, September 9, 2011 at 2:00 PM at the Chapel of Mowell Funeral Home, Fayetteville. Reverend Phillips Gilbert (nephew) will officiate.

The burial will follow at Forest Lawn Cemetery, College Park.

The family will receive friends on Thursday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the funeral home.

Those desiring to make donations may do so to Gold Shield Atlanta, at www.goldshieldatlanta.com

Arrangements are being handled by the Carl J. Mowell & Son Funeral Home in Fayetteville----www.mowellfuneralhome.com

The Olin L. Gammage & Sons Funeral Home is making this local announcement for the family of Marie Allen.