Julia Allen

In Loving Memory of Julia Allen (Marquez)

July 17, 1939 – April 22, 2025

Julia Allen (85), beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on April 22, 2025, at Kansas University Medical Center surrounded by those who loved her most. Born on July 17, 1939, in Deerfield, Kansas, Julia was a beacon of warmth, kindness, and quiet strength who touched the hearts of everyone she met. She was the cherished daughter of Eleuterio and Maria Guadalupe Coronado Marquez and grew up in a lively, close-knit household alongside her eight siblings.

Julia graduated with the Class of 1959 from Syracuse High School, where her playful spirit was captured in her senior quote: “Why think? Let’s dance!” On August 26, 1972, she married the love of her life, Rogers Allen Sr. Together, they built a home filled with faith, laughter, and unconditional love. Due to medical issues at an early age her doctors at that time told her she would never be able to conceive children, however despite the odds and by the grace of God she became a proud mother to her one and only daughter Nancy Allen Affectionately known as “Mema” and “The Cat Lady,” Julia had a heart for all creatures great and small — especially the neighborhood cats she cared for with love and dedication. She found joy in sewing, dancing to her favorite Mexican music, and embracing the beauty in life’s simple pleasures. Her home was a haven of warmth, where the sound of music blended with laughter and the comforting aroma of home-cooked meals.

Julia was a woman of deep faith. Born into the Catholic tradition, she later attended Philadelphia Missionary Baptist Church, where her generous spirit and love for others continued to shine through her service and devotion. She was preceded in death by her parents, Eleuterio and Maria Marquez; her brothers, Herman Marquez and Narciss “Cecil” Marquez; and her sisters, Esther Lusk and infant Maria Elena Marquez, as well as bonus sons Cecil Allen and Terrance Allen.

She is survived by her husband, Rogers Allen Sr.; her daughter, Nancy Allen; her bonus children, Rogers Allen Jr. (Patricia), Lenell Allen, Doris Allen, and Marchall Allen. Her brother Felix Marquez, sisters Jessie Velasquez (Eugene), Helen Kaiser (Leo), and Theresa Winlock. Julia’s legacy lives on through her grandchildren — Hailey Jordan, Christian Jordan, Thierry Simmons, Maxwell Simmons, Monique Fugate, Senea McMillan, Roger Allen III, Kiera Brown, Kayla Brown, Terrance Allen Jr., and Michael Brown — and her eleven great- grandchildren, who will carry forward her stories, lessons, and laughter.

An extraordinary part of Julia’s life story: In 1969, she became the first kidney transplant recipient at KU Medical Center, receiving the gift of life from her eldest sister, Esther — a testament to their bond and the miracle of medicine. Her memory will live on in the music she cherished, the lives she touched, and every joyful dance step we take in her honor.

Flowers are welcome and may be sent to Abundant Life Church. For those who wish to make a memorial donation in Julia’s honor, contributions may be made to the American Kidney Fund (www.kidneyfund.org) in recognition of her transplant journey, or to the ASPCA (www.aspca.org), in tribute to her love for animals. A Memorial Service will be held Thursday, May 15, 2025, at Abundant Life Church, 414 SW Persels Rd, Lee's Summit, MO 64081. Visitation will be from 10am - 11am, Service 11am – 12pm, followed by Fellowship 12pm – 2pm.