"But our commonwealth is in Heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the LORD Jesus Christ, Who will change our lowly body to be like His glorious body, by the power which enables Him even to subject all things to Himself." (Phillippians 3:20-21)

Ophelia Daisy Dabney (ADA Miss Daisy, Phee, Phil) was born on Thursday, August 7, 1924 to Ed Dabney and Estella (Levell) Dabney in Woodlawn, Tennessee. Little Ophelia was the youngest of seven children. While a young child, she received Jesus as her personal Savior and was baptized at Woodlawn Baptist Church. Ophelia, along with her brother, Howard, relocated to Lansing, Michigan where she attended a newly built J.W. Sexton High School and graduated with the first class in 1943.

After receiving her diploma, Ophelia was employed at Colombia Photo Studio then as a Nurse's Aide and a Licensed Practical Nurse at Edward W. Sparrow Hospital; finally retiring as an Industrial Nurse from Motor Wheel's Medical Department. Unable to become stagnant, Ophelia went back to work as a Sales Agent with Carriage House Realty Company and was a receptionist at Riley Funeral Home. She was most proud of her work as Coordinator at the local Christian broadcast channel 19. Where she encouraged Lansing's Black churches to begin broadcasting their services and events. "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working or the Lord, not for human masters." (Colossians 3:23)

In 1939, Ophelia joined Union Baptist Church in Lansing, Michigan. Her service at Union included organizing and singing with the Ever Ready Gospel Singers (she also served as President); singing in the Senior Choir and Gospel Chorus. She was a member of Union's Audio and Video Ministry, assisted in organizing the Baptist Training Union (BTU), provided security and taught classes for Vacation Bible School. "So Christ Himself gave apostles, the prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers…to equip His people for works of service, so that the Body of Christ may be built up." (Ephasians 4:11-12 NIV)

Ophelia Dabney married Hugh M. Blackwell in August, 1944 and to this union was born two sons, Hugh Garfield and Karl Eugene. Both proceeded her in death. In 1954 she married Ray Fountain and was blessed with one daughter, Desiree, who was joyfully received by her two older brothers. Ms. Ophelia married Leo E. Allen in 1966. With him three daughters were added to the family: Sandra, Carol and Rita.

On Wednesday, April 28, 2021 at high noon, Ophelia Daisy Allen received her call to Paradise. Cherishing her memory are: daughters, Desiree (Ernest) Reinert, Sandra Taylor, Carol (Zachary) Cunningham, and Rita Allen; a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends; god-daughter, Ophelia Ansari; and god-son, Kenneth Clark.

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing." (II Timothy 4:7-8)

Arrangements for Mrs. Allen are as follows: