Jo Helen Allen, fondly known as Pennie or Mimmie, passed away Tuesday, July 15, 2025.
She was born Nov. 24, 1949, at Hamlet Hospital.
Pennie graduated from Hamlet High School in 1968. She attended Appalachian State University and graduated with a Master of Education through The Citadel. She worked as a guidance counselor for many years in North Carolina and through the department of defense in Germany.
Pennie loved traveling and had many adventures with family and friends throughout Europe, Mexico, Canada, and the United States. She had a passion for animals and spent her last year’s nurturing many dogs and taking in fosters.
Pennie is predeceased by her parents, Joe and Mae Allen.
She is survived by her dogs, Fred and Cocoa, as well as a foster dog, Jessie. She is also survived by her brother, Gary Allen (Susan) of Ellerbe; niece Judy (Joey) Jernigan of Ellerbe; nephew Shot Allen (Kim) of North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; and Meto (Karen) Allen of Rockingham. She had many nephews and nieces as well: Jordan (Nick) Russell, Josh (Kristin) Jernigan, Seth Allen, Trey (Kristen) Allen, Kassie (John) Adcock; McKenzie (Chris) Szabo; and five great-nieces as well as one great nephew.
In honor of Pennie, a private family service will be held in her memory.
The family would like to thank the Hamlet Fire and Police departments for their dedication and support during this difficult time as well as Tessie Caulder-Brigman of the Richmond County Animal Shelter.
The family requests that memorials be made to the Richmond County Animal Shelter at 529 U.S. Hwy 74 W., Rockingham, NC 28379.
Online condolences may be made at watson-kingfuneralhome.com. Watson-King Funeral Home in Hamlet is serving the Allen family.
NOTE: The wrong photo was temporarily attached to this obituary, but has been corrected.
