Individual Details

Death

Our beautiful Mother, Allene Furr, completed her Life's journey and followed our Father, Johnny Furr, into Eternity on Monday evening, April 11, 2011. Allene was 79 years old. The blessed Lord God came for her suddenly, and she passed away at her home in Hatch, NM, while talking with two of her daughters, and her son & daughter-in-law. She was diagnosed with Stage 3 Lymphoma cancer in October, 2010 and she also suffered from congestive heart disease. Sudie Allene Brown was born in Colorado City, TX on July 10, 1931 at Grandma Blackerby's home. Allene was the 2nd daughter and 3rd child of the 7 children born to her parents, Jewel Frances Blackerby and James Edward Brown. Allene lived with her parents, her oldest sister, Eddie Frances, her oldest brother, Ted, and her younger brother, Donald, in China Grove, TX., until she was 5 years old. Ed & Jewel Brown moved their young family from Texas to Las Cruces, NM in 1936, finally settling on a farm and home place in Salem, NM in 1938. Allene's younger sisters, Charlene and Geraldine, were born in Salem, and Jerry was born in Hatch. Allene spent her childhood in Salem, working with her parents, brothers & sisters on the family farm. She loved to swim in the irrigation ditches, catch butterflies, play with paper dolls, take care of her baby sisters, and play with her many childhood friends. She attended the Salem School (Grades 1-8). She also attended the Hatch Valley High School in Hatch (Grades 9-10). On January 28, 1948, in Las Cruces, NM, Allene Brown, age 16, and Johnny Furr, age 21, were married. At Johnny's death on December 06, 2008, they had been married for almost 61 years, and had raised 5 children. Allene was a wonderful wife, mother, and homemaker. During her lifetime, she was also a loving caretaker for many other children living in her community. She proudly worked for 17 years (1974-1991) outside of her home, as a fulltime school cafeteria 'lunch lady' where she and her co-workers lovingly prepared and served homemade lunches to students and teachers in Hatch and Garfield, NM. For 10 summers, Allene worked in an onion packing shed as an onion grader for her close friends, Betty & James Franzoy. Allene is survived by her 5 children & their spouses: Sherry Furr, Johna Truelove, Randy & Donna Furr, Rennee & Johnny Holden, and Rhonda & Mike Day. The most precious flowers in Allene's family garden, her 16 Grandchildren and 19 Great-Grandchildren, and at least ten other dear loved ones of whom, Allene considered to be her children & grandchildren, all loved her dearly and will miss her immensely. She was blessed with many other good friends and neighbors she loved and valued. Surviving Allene as well, is her only brother-in-law & his 2nd wife, Marshall & Nancy Furr, his grown children, Robin Stark and Johnny Furr, their spouses, and his granddaughter, Ryanne Stark. Allene is also survived by 3 brothers and 2 sisters & their spouses: Ted & Nancy Brown, Donald Brown, Charlene & Delbert Green, Geraldine & Bob James, and Jerry Brown. Allene's many nieces, nephews, and cousins, members of an extended family, loved and admired her.The life of Allene Furr, a gentle, spiritual, beautiful woman, will be remembered and honored on Saturday, April 30, at 10:00 a.m. in Hatch, at the Church of Christ. A private family graveside ceremony will be held at 11:00 a.m., the same day.Allene lived her life knowing that Love bears all things, Believes all things, Hopes all things, and Endures all things. Love never ends.
Published in Las Cruces Sun-News on April 24, 2011