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Mrs. Brenda McKelphin-Allen was called home at the age of 70. She was born to the late Willie B. and Elverna McKelphin on May 20, 1952, in Bogalusa, La. 

Brenda was loved by her family. There was nothing in the world she would not do for them. Brenda was never afraid to stand up for what was right. Brenda modeled the faith of a virtuous woman. She was always extending words of encouragement and faith to those who needed to be uplifted. Her love was extended to other children she assisted in raising. 

Brenda inherited five children with open arms and love as the wife of Leonard Allen Sr. for 32 years.

Brenda was baptized at a young age under the leadership of Reverend Greenup at Second Missionary Baptist Church in Bogalusa, La. Brenda was actively involved in the mission. In 1975, Brenda relocated to New Orleans, La. Brenda later joined St. Andrew Baptist Church in Braithwaite, La. Until Brenda’s health failed, she served as President of the Deaconess and the Mission Board. 

Brenda also loved to help care for others with a very nurturing spirit. Brenda retired after 20 years of service in Healthcare from Charity Hospital in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Brenda will now become a treasure to her family and will be remembered with love by her husband Leonard Allen Sr., stepson: Leonard Allen Jr., and stepdaughters: Laura Ann, Cassandra, Shawn, and Nicole, as well as her brothers: Willie Ray (Kewanna) McKelphin, Larry McKelphin, and Glennis McKelphin Sr., and erstwhile sister-in-law Lorna McKelphin. Brenda’s Godchildren: Joshua McKelphin, Tiger Benjamin, and Kierra Johnson. Brenda’s special nieces whom she loved so dearly: Veronica, Katrina, Christina, and Tammy, as well as her granddaughter La’Keshia Allen. Brenda’s nephews: Richard Payne Sr. and Glennis McKelphin Jr. who she loved dearly. Brenda’s three favorite cousins: Gloria (Hersey) Roberts, Ellis “Bernard” Kidd, and Gilda (Earnest) Martin. 

Brenda was preceded in death by her parents, Willie B. and Elverna McKelphin, as well as her sister Patricia McKelphin-Williams, stepson Tyrone Allen, granddaughter Takara Sanchez, grandson Denzell Jeanpierre, niece Suan Payne-Porter, and nephew Rodrick Payne Sr.