Rita Loretta Martinez Allen

Rita Loretta Martinez Allen born to William and Theresa Martinez in New Orleans, LA passed away with her children by her side on January 26, 2024, 35,784 days from her birth on February 5,1926. 

Having lost her dad the day after her 4th birthday, Mrs. Allen was raised in Shell Beach, LA by her single mom with the help of her older brothers and sisters before moving to Biloxi as a teenager with her mother.

The youngest of eleven children, Mrs. Allen was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Bill, Johnny, Jimmy, infant brothers Emile and Anthony Martinez, Freddy Ruiz; and her sisters, Mary Toche, Theresa Nunez, Inez Molero, and Lucille Friere. 

We are not only mourning the loss of our mother, but also rejoicing that she is united with those she loved who are waiting for her to join with them in our Father’s home in heaven. Mrs. Allen was married to David Ralph Allen for 57 years at his passing in 2001. She was also preceded in death by their son Nathan Fabian Allen; Nathan's son, BJ Reddish; and her grandson, Kevin Patrick Barry. 

Having had eight children, Rita's family continues to expand. She always accepted the spouses of her children as her own, leading to over 200 family members who cherish her memory and continue her legacy of love, faith, and family. Her children and their spouses, Ralph and Robin Allen, Sharon and Wilfred Barry, Leo and Sherry Allen, Dr. Felix J and Jan Allen, Jeanell and Ronnie Weems, Jerrolyn and Pete Comer, Dale and Heather Allen and her daughter-in-law, Beth Allen, will all continue to feel her love and are at peace knowing that she is with those who have passed before her. Her 69 grandchildren, 90 great- grandchildren, and 26 great-great grandchildren will miss visiting their MawMaw Allen, receiving her loving hugs, and seeing her warm smile. She also leaves behind countless nieces and nephews, whom she loved dearly. 

We would like to thank the nurses and staff of SAAD's Hospice for the compassion and loving care they gave to our mother, especially Sarah, Clara, Maureen, Lisa, and Tyler. We would also like to give a special thanks to Father Sergio and Tom Denny of St Elizabeth Seton's Catholic Church. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to your favorite charity or to The Lord Is My Help, 1205 DeSoto St., Ocean Springs, MS in memory of Rita Allen or Ronald McDonald House Charities of Cincinnati, 314 Erkenbrecher Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45229. 

Pallbearers are grandsons, David Allen III, Jacob Barry, Leo Allen Jr, Lewis Allen, Ronnie Weems Jr, Donnie Hebert Jr and Hunter Allen. Honorary Pallbearers are grandsons, Jeremy Allen, Christopher Allen, Rhett Allen, Jarrod Weems, Paul Allen, Kaiden Allen, Allen Hebert, Jonathan Hebert, and Justin Allen.

A visitation will be held from 5:00pm-8:00pm on Thursday, February 1, 2024 at Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, Ocean Springs, MS. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, February 2, 2024 at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church. Friends may visit one hour prior. A graveside service will follow at Biloxi National Cemetery at 1:30pm.

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Homes is honored to serve the family of Rita Allen.