Theresa D. Allen was born on May 24, 1957, to Walter L. Allen Sr. and Ramona G. Allen in Kansas City, Kansas, at KU Medical Center. From the very beginning, Theresa carried a spark that would later blossom into a life filled with style, grace, and unforgettable presence.

Theresa attended elementary school at Blessed Sacrament and later pursued her passion by attending vocational school for cosmetology while in high school. She graduated from Lillis High School in 1975, earning both her diploma and cosmetology license. This would be the first step into a career that would become her calling.

Theresa accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior as a child and was a devoted member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church throughout many of her early and adult years. Her faith remained a quiet but steady foundation in her life.

Shortly after graduation, Theresa welcomed her beloved son, DeAndre Allen, in November of 1975. In 1983, she married the father of her children, Colandus Rucker Jr. In July of 1986, the family of three became a family of four, and she welcomed her beautiful daughter, Candace Rucker. Her children were her pride and greatest treasures.

Theresa built more than a career in cosmetology; she built a legacy. As a salon owner and master stylist, she was known for her creative eye, bold sense of fashion, and signature flair. Theresa didn’t just do hair; she created looks, confidence, and moments. She carried herself with a diva’s grace that exuded polish, poise, and style. Her chair was a safe haven, a therapy seat, and a stage all at once. She loved her clients deeply, and they loved her right back. Many became lifelong friends who remained part of her extended family. Theresa participated in numerous hair shows, proudly showcasing her talent and staying ahead of trends, traveling to different cities and states. Her stylist catalog was well known, and she became one of the most sought-after cosmetologists in the Kansas City area. Outside of her love for hair, she had a deep love for fashion, spending numerous hours shopping for stylish outfits and décor. One of her favorite pastimes was reading. Theresa loved a good book!

In 2000, Theresa relocated to Charlotte, North Carolina, where she lived for nine years before returning to Kansas City, Missouri. Theresa retired in 2024 after becoming ill, closing her professional chapter with the same excellence she brought to every role.

Theresa departed her earthly life on January 10, 2026, surrounded by family and friends. She was preceded in death by her mother, Ramona G. Allen; her father, Walter L. Allen Sr.; and her brothers, Gregory Allen Sr. and Joseph T. Allen.

Theresa will be remembered for her top-tier style, her passion for beauty, her creative spirit, contagious laughter, and warm, welcoming heart. She carried herself with confidence, loved big, and made people feel seen and beautiful inside and out. Above all, she was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend.

Theresa leaves to cherish her memory: her son, DeAndre B. Allen, of Dallas, Texas; her daughter, Candace L. Rucker, of Kansas City, Missouri; and her grandsons, Kyree L. Grier and Ky’ere L. Douglas, of Kansas City, Missouri. Her loving sister, Cynthia Eastman, of Kansas City, Missouri; her brothers, Walter L. Allen Jr. (Mayumi), of Seattle, WA, and Brent Allen (Melody), of Kansas City, Missouri; her uncles, Laurel Givens (Ann) and Robert Albert Lee (Sherryl), of Kansas City, Missouri; a bonus sister, Marie Brown; a bonus brother, Bobby Tolson; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.