Joann Marie Allen, 83, of De Soto died Oct. 1, 2025, at Mercy Hospital South in St. Louis County. Mrs. Allen was born at her family’s home with the assistance of a midwife aided by her oldest sister, Imogene, whom she affectionately referred to as her “sister momma.” She was the youngest of six children.
She worked as a dietary manager at the former Jefferson Memorial Hospital in Crystal City for many years and in elder care settings in the same role until retiring from Presbyterian Manor in Farmington. She was a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church of De Soto, where she was a volunteer in their food ministry. She also enjoyed volunteering for the children’s Vacation Bible School and sharing her faith with others. She loved fishing on the Black River with her family, spending time outdoors, especially admiring sunsets, and playing a game of dominoes with her friends. Most of all, she loved spending time with her family. Born April 9, 1942, in Pevely, she was the daughter of the late Clifford Elmer and Minnie Belle (McDowell) Cowan.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 36 years: Michael R. Allen.
She is survived by a daughter: Kathy (Greg) Fisher of De Soto; a son: Brent (Rosemary) Woodard of Denver, N.C.; her blended children: Trisha (Greg Hahn) Allen of Tiff and John (Cassie Rowe) Allen of Highlandville; eight grandchildren: Chris Fisher, Tristin (Liana) Woodard, Sierra Woodard, Makena Woodard, Tyler (Angi) Allen, Trenton Allen, Casey Allen, and Cody Allen; five great-grandchildren: Langston, Alieyah, Kolsyn, Amelia and Dakota; a brother-in-law: Roger (Cathy) Allen; Weston and Havannah; many nieces and nephews; and numerous other family members and friends.
She also was preceded in death by her five siblings: Edna “Imogene” (the late Howard) Brust, James (the late Christine) Cowan, Elmer “Dale” (the late Dorothy) Cowan, Mary “Maxine” (the late Cecil) Vaughn and Paul (the late Ruby) Cowan.
A memorial gathering is scheduled from 1 p.m. until a memorial service at 3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24, at Vinyard Funeral Home, 616 W. Main St., in Festus. Memorials may be made to the Emmanuel Baptist Food Ministry,13270 Hwy. CC, De Soto, 63020, or to the St. Louis Society for the Blind and Visually Impaired, 8770 Manchester Road, St. Louis, 63144. Arrangements are under the direction of Vinyard Funeral Home.