Wandalyn Austin Ballard Allen, 87, passed away Thursday, October 29, 2015 at the North MS Medical Center after a sudden illness. She was born January 7, 1928 in Verona to Talmadge and Elna Mae Austin. She graduated from Tupelo High School in 1946, and worked as a bookkeeper at Central Service and the Bank of Mississippi. She also served 17 years as financial secretary for Verona United Methodist Church where she was a faithful member. Wanda loved playing cards, board games crossword puzzles and taking photos. However the love of her life was taking care of her family. She was known for her dedicated work ethic as well as her famous chocolate pies.
Services will be 11 AM Monday at the Verona United Methodist Church. Burial will be in Lee Memorial Park. Lee Memorial Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.
She leaves behind her husband of 17 years, Dave Allen of Tupelo; 4 children, Steve Ballard (Tena) of Counce, TN, Misty Wallace (Steve) of Tupelo, Becky Watson (Danny) of Columbus, and Liz Coleman (Bruce) of Saltillo; her step-children, Lisa Hjulberg (Paul) of Riverside, CA, Kim Dean of Navarre, FL, Linda Allen of Tupelo and Andrew Allen (Jennifer) of Aliso Viejo, CA; her grandchildren, Steve Ballard II (Autumn), Kate Ballard, Stacy Wallace, Lannie Wallace (Shannon), Daniel Watson (Jennifer), Olivia Coleman and Julianna Coleman; her step-grandchildren, Ian, Collin, Clayton, and Avery Hjulberg, Taran Dean, Sydney Dean, Dylan Willette, and Tommy Allen; 3 great-grandsons, Hayden Wallace, Logan Wallace, and Cash Watson; and 1 step-great-granddaughter, Jayden Dean.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, G.C. Ballard; and 2 brothers, Elward and Fred Austin
Pallbearers will be Lannie Wallace, Steve Ballard II, Daniel Watson, Clifton Hodges, Bob Pruett, and Bill Hines. Dylan Willette will serve as honorary pallbearer.
Memorials may be made to the G.C. Ballard Scholarship Fund or the Verona United Methodist Church.
Visitation will be 4-6 PM Sunday at Lee Memorial Funeral Home. For online guest registry visit www.leememorialonline.com
