Oram Allen

Oram Allen, affectionately known as Mr. Al, transitioned peacefully to be with the Lord on August 21, 2023 surrounded by his family. Oram, son of Thomas Allen and Ida Gilbert Allen was born on June 13, 1922, the sixth of seven children. Oram received his early education in Ocilla, GA and the Allen Family were faithful worshippers at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. Oram moved to Chester in 1941 and served in the Army in 1943. After returning home to Chester, he joined Bethany Baptist Church where he attended services regularly until be was unable to due to health issues. In July 2015 he was honored by Bethany Baptist Church for his 70+ years of membership and service. As a young man, Oram was married to Helen Holmes Allen until her passing in 1946. Later, he met and was married to Alice Dennis Allen until her passing in 1989. During his working career, Oram was employed at the Worth Steel Company in Claymont, DE, Baldwin Locomotive Steam Engine Company in Eddystone, PA and was a construction worker for Laborer’s International Union of North America Local 413 until he retired. After retirement Oram kept busy. He worked part time at Kmart in Broomall, PA and volunteered at the St. Mary’s Church Food Cupboard for over 25 years. He was recognized with the Seed Sower Award of the Interfaith Coalition of Food Centers of Delaware County in January 1999 and was named Volunteer of the Month at the food cupboard many times. Oram loved to see things grow. He maintained a flower and vegetable garden at his home and loved to share his delicious tomatoes with family and friends. He also did landscaping and grass cutting for family and friends. Oram was a quiet man who never met a stranger. He loved people and would welcome anyone to have a seat in his home or on the porch to talk. He always had a friendly hello for anyone who walked by his home. Oram was an excellent source of family history. He enjoyed visiting the homes of his family and friends and was a strong believer in maintaining family ties. Oram was a VERY early riser and believed in being “ON TIME” and he always stressed to everyone the importance of saving for a rainy day. He was kind-hearted and generous and would help anyone he could with a ride to work, the supermarket, or doctor appt. He lived by the scripture “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” Luke 6:31. On June 13, 2022, Oram was blessed by the Lord to reach his 100th Birthday. This milestone was celebrated with a birthday party in his honor on June 18, 2022, and was attended by many relatives and friends. Oram leaves a legacy of love and kindness that will be remembered by everyone who knew him, and he will be missed from his favorite spot on his front porch. Along with his parents, Oram was predeceased by brothers: Eldry Allen and Osie Lee Allen and sisters: Elizabeth Brown, Violet Maness, Annie Mae Ramsey, and Dorothy Lee Wilson. Oram leaves to cherish his memory four daughters: Selina Johnson of Media, PA, Venetta Johnson of Bear, DE, Robyn Hawkins of Parsonsburg, MD, and Marla Copeland (Kenneth) of Claymont, DE; seven grandchildren: Bryan Johnson, Helaina Johnson, Janiera Gibbs, Jamaal Simmons, Lauren Simmons. Kamina Copeland, Asya Copeland; twelve great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and the residents of the 1100 Block of West 8th Street.

Oram Allen

June 13, 1922 - August 21, 2023