Gloria E. Allen

Gloria Edwina Stokes Allen, affectionately known as “Glo,” was born on November 17, 1934, to the late Samuel T. Stokes and Marguerite P. Harris Stokes. She was the third oldest of fifteen children. On Wednesday, February 18, 2026, Gloria peacefully entered eternal rest, surrounded by her loving family. Gloria was educated in the Chester Upland School District and graduated from Chester High School, Class of 1953. After high school, she met and married the love of her life, the late Aaron “Sugar Man” Allen. He affectionately nicknamed her “Frog” because of her big, beautiful eyes. From their union, they were blessed with one daughter, Linda M. Stokes Fareed, and two sons, Jonathan L. Allen and Brian K. Allen. Gloria worked for the Tolin family in Haverford, Pennsylvania, for many years and later held various other positions throughout her life. She was baptized at Providence Baptist Church and later became a member of Unity Baptist Church. Eventually, she joined Bethany Baptist Church, where she faithfully remained a devoted member until her health began to decline. Gloria loved serving in the church and was known for her signature march, proudly and joyfully marching around the sanctuary wherever she worshiped. She sang in The Randolph Choir at Providence Baptist Church, The Voices of Unity Choir at Unity Baptist Church, and the Faith Fellowship Choir at Bethany Baptist Church. At Bethany, she also faithfully served in the Women’s Ministry. Gloria served for many years as the Recording Secretary for the Church Ushers Association of Chester and Vicinity. When her health began to fail, she became a Willing Worker. She also served as a dedicated Volunteer Granny with the Cosa Foster Grandparents Program. Gloria was known as the family beautician and artist. She truly lived up to her name — Gloria E., meaning “Evangelist.” She had a heart for serving God and showing love to everyone she met. She poured into the lives of her siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, and grandchildren — helping with homework, teaching handwriting, and sharing lessons about the Lord. Her favorite words were, “I love everybody.” Her favorite scripture was Proverbs 3:5 — “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.” Her favorite song was “Every Praise.” Gloria was preceded in death by her parents, Samuel and Marguerite Stokes; one grandson, Mujahid Fareed (Mu), two great grandson, Jaden Fareed and Jamaar Reid (Baby Maar), four brothers, Norman Stokes (Betty), Theodore Stokes (Gracie), Leonard Stokes, and Darryl “Duckie” Stokes; three sisters, Joyce Rather (Horace), Lindell Stokes, and Valora Mills (Albert); and three brothers-in-law, Melvin Alexander, Willard Cooper, and Saunders Hammond. She leaves to cherish her memory her loving children: Linda, Brian, and Jonathan (Terrilyn); 23 grandchildren; 50 great-grandchildren; and 12 great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by two brothers, Lamont Stokes (Cynthia) of Chester, PA, and Derek Stokes (Ruth) of Hampton, VA; five sisters, Janice Alexander, Barbara Hammond of Chester, PA, Patricia Cooper of Brookhaven, Sandra Porter (Ron) of Massachusetts, and Sheila Joyner of Wilmington, Delaware, Sister in Law Roberta Stokes Chester PA; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. A special thank you to her devoted caregivers: Linda & Khayriyyah, and their helpers, Gloria, Nicole, NiMat, Shaquiah, Zakiyyah, Shakira, and Geordan. Gloria will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished by all who knew and loved her.

Gloria E. Allen

November 17, 1934 - February 18, 2026