What does it take to leave a lasting imprint on family, faith, and community? Janet Hope Allen of Ohio did it with grace, grit, and an unshakable love for the Buckeyes.
Early Life: Roots in Columbus, Ohio
Born on August 1, 1936, in Columbus, Ohio, Janet Hope Allen was the daughter of Joseph Kingsbury and Florence Hawkins. Growing up alongside her brother Daniel Kingsbury, she developed a deep appreciation for Ohio’s values—family, hard work, and creativity.
Ohio’s Influence:
- Birthplace: Columbus’s post-Depression era shaped her resilience.
- Artistic Spark: Sketching Ohio’s landscapes ignited her lifelong passion for art.
A Partnership of Faith: Marriage to Richard Allen
Janet married Richard Allen, a preacher, becoming a cornerstone of their church community. As a preacher’s wife, she blended devotion with action:
- Ministry Support: Hosted congregational gatherings, offering solace through homemade meals.
- Creative Worship: Used her guitar skills to lead hymns, merging art and spirituality.
Family First: The Heart of Janet’s Legacy
Janet’s role as a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother defined her. Her children—Julienne, Kristin, Lisa, and Richard Jr.—recall her unwavering dedication:
“Mom’s door was always open, and her table was never empty.”
Family Tree Highlights:
- Grandchildren: 8, including Michele Martino (musician) and Blake Allen (artist).
- Great-Grandchildren: 7, with two more due in 2023, symbolizing her enduring legacy.
Community Pillar: Art, Music, and Buckeye Pride
Janet’s hobbies became community treasures:
- Ohio State Buckeyes: Game days saw her in scarlet-and-gray elegance, rallying neighbors.
- Art Workshops: Taught painting to Johnstown youth, fostering local talent.
Case Study:
In 2015, Janet organized a fundraiser auctioning her artwork to renovate Johnstown’s community center—raising over $10,000.
Final Farewell: Honoring Janet’s Memory
Her passing on January 9, 2023, united Ohioans at Cotner Funeral Home in Reynoldsburg.
Funeral Service Details:
- Visitation: January 15, 2–3 PM.
- Service: 3 PM, featuring hymns she loved.
- Donations: Support her family via Cotner Funeral Home (614.866.6318).
Actionable Insights: Live Like Janet
- Nurture Creativity: Take up a hobby—paint, play music, or dance.
- Strengthen Family Bonds: Host monthly gatherings to share stories and meals.
- Serve Your Community: Volunteer locally or donate to causes like Janet’s art fund.
Example: Start a “Janet Allen Day” in Johnstown—plant gardens, create art, or cheer for the Buckeyes.
Conclusion: Carry Her Torch Forward
Janet Allen Ohio’s life teaches us that legacy is built through love, faith, and small acts of kindness.
