Vera Allen – A Welcoming Heart

BY JACLYN ROSE –

Vera Allen was born in 1924 and was raised in Kingman, Arizona where she completed one year of high school before getting married at age 15 in 1939.  Allen has three children: Judith, Tommy, and Melvin.  Her family moved back and forth from Texas to Arizona several times before settling in Texas in 1952.

After losing her husband to heart failure, Allen took an aptitude test and began nursing school to become a licensed vocational nurse (LVN), the Texas equivalent to a licensed practical nurse.  She worked in that career field for at least 10 years. “I loved being a nurse.  When I was really young I would go to the hospital to see people and it seemed like all the nurses were always grouchy.  I decided I wanted to be a nurse but I wouldn’t be grouchy.  I loved it, and missed it, for a long time after I quit,” explained Allen.

After Allen’s second husband also suffered from a heart attack they knew he needed to retire from his job with Merchant Fast Motor Lines and he wanted to leave the state.  After viewing an advertisement for a Mena business in the Organic Gardening Magazine they decided to drive to Polk County to visit.  They loved it and moved permanently in 1977.

Almost immediately, Allen began looking for ways to get involved around town.  She joined the 60+ History Class at Rich Mountain Community College and has attended every class since 1990.

She also joined a quilter’s group in Shady, where she gathers with friends every Monday to make quilts for themselves and others.  The group has also dabbled in pottery and other arts.

Allen also began volunteering with the Ouachita National Forest Service, where she originally helped at the recycling center before assisting at the Visitor’s Center at the base of Rich Mountain.  Every Friday you will find her there, ready to visit with tourists and pass on any information they might need.  “I like to meet people and I’ve met them from everywhere: India, Middle East, England, and recently some from Holland. I just answer questions and give them information,” explained Allen.

In honor of her recent 90^th birthday, her friends at the Forest Service threw her a surprise birthday party that greatly delighted Allen.  “I opened up the door and there they were with a bouquet of flowers and cookies and drinks.  I was so shocked!  There were Forest Service people and volunteers; they filled up the Visitor’s Center.  It was so fun,” said Allen.

“I love the trees and the foliage and the mountains in Polk County.  The nature is so wonderful.  We have lived in Cherry Hill and Shady and then now in town where I live with my three cats: Rusty, Honey B, and Sheva, they are my babies.  I love this area,” explained Allen.

About Author

Jeri Pearson

Jeri is the News Director for Pulse Multi-Media and Editor of The Polk County Pulse. She has 10 years of experience in community focused journalism and has won multiple press association awards.

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