Alma Rose Allen

Alma Rose Allen (Rose), born Alma Rose Parker, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on April 17, 2026, at the age of 88, passing peacefully at her home in Garner, North Carolina.

Rose was born on November 6, 1937, in Clinton, North Carolina, where she was raised and graduated from Clinton High School, Class of 1955. She spent much of her career working in quality control at Data General, where her strong work ethic and attention to detail reflected the values she carried throughout her life.

A devoted mother of four, Rose built a life centered around family, independence, and quiet strength. She was the beloved daughter of the late Hallie James Parker and Evelyn Marshburn Ballance, and stepdaughter of the late William Edgar Ballance.

She was preceded in death by her siblings Margaret Walton, James Dickie Parker, Jerry Parker, and Frances Parker. She is survived by her sisters Patsy Tew and June Hatch; her four children, Frances Naylor Cooper, Helen Naylor Strickland, Melinda Naylor Tanner, and Nathan Mark Allen; her cherished friend, Ryan Ennis; nine grandchildren; and thirteen great-grandchildren, all of whom were a cherished part of her life.

Rose, also known as Grandma Rose, was a truly unique woman and grandmother. She was kind-natured, independent, loyal, witty, and just the right amount of sassy. A woman of few words, she believed in hard work, self-reliance, and minding your business. Her home was her sanctuary, where she lived a peaceful and quiet life, often with Fox News playing in the background as she planned her next gardening project or prepared a meal.

She had a remarkable green thumb, growing beautiful flowers and vegetables that reflected her care and patience. In the kitchen, she was unmatched—known for cooking extravagant Southern meals that could feed an army, whether there were two people or twenty at the table.

Some of the most treasured memories of Rose are the summers spent at her backyard pool, surrounded by her grandchildren, and the countless meals she lovingly prepared. Though she may not have always said much, she showed her love in ways that mattered most—through her presence, her cooking, and the home she created for her family.

A graveside service will be held on May 16, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Sandy Grove Church in Angier, North Carolina. Family and friends are invited to gather afterward at her home in Garner for lunch and a time of remembrance.