Allene Skipworth Bankhead was born May 11, 1933,
to the late Junious and Charlotte Skipworth. Allene departed this earthly
realm on June 14, 2022, at her home with loved ones with her.
Her life, between these two bookends, was filled with joy, sacrifice, hard work,
laughter, tears, trials and love. The one unwavering truth through it all was her
love of the Lord and her faith in Him.
She came to know and love the Lord at an early age. She was baptized and
became a member of East Florence Missionary Baptist Church. She served in the
choir and was a mother in the church, a member of the Missionary Society, and
of course one of the best cooks in the kitchen.
She was married to Charles Clifford Bankhead. Together, they had eight live
children and one stillborn child. Of the eight, three — Charles Jr., "Pluto" (Melody),
Kevin (Hope), and Valerie — preceded her in death. They are waiting with open
arms to greet her.
Their remaining children, Sheila, Selina, Darryl, Sharla (Woodrow) Pope, and
Greogry "Greg" (Eviki), are all reminders of Charles and Allene's love living on.
She attended Burrell-Slater and graduated at the top of her class. Aside from
her academic prowess, her amazing skills of sewing and cooking made her wellknown. She carried these skills with her always. That chocolate cake, the blonde
brownies, her potato salad, those rolls hot out of the oven, the coconut cake, that
caramel cake, and her congealed salads all have a life of their own.
Her ability to sew anything was a blessing. She made clothing for four boys and
four girls, plus leisure suits for Charles, and her own masterpieces seem effortless.
Pop would call all the suits and dresses for Easter "better than going to J.C. Penney."
Although preceded in death by parents Junious "Junedaddy" and Charlotte
"Big Mama," and siblings, Charles, Ada, and Yowanna, Clemella and Josephine
remain. There are too many nieces, nephews, cousins, and grandkids to mention
individually, but always know that she loved you all and if you came to her house,
she was going to cook you something.
Allene's life is a testimony to the power of faith and belief in God. She always
knew that she was never alone; she loved to sing His praises and do His work. She
raised her kids to always keep God first. She would tell you in a heartbeat that
God gave us His best, His son Jesus Christ. How can we do less for Him?
Making something out of nothing kept us fed, clothed, and with a roof over our
heads. God gave her the blessing. She took it and ran like no other. Rest now, my
warrior mother. You have fought the good fight; now is the time for your reward.
"I have fought the good fight,
I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."
II Timothy 4:7