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A Homegoing Service for Rev. Bernice Elizabeth Ash Allen of Tampa who passed away Sunday, December 22, 2024, will be held on Saturday, January 11th, 1:00 p.m. at Aikens Funeral Home, 2708 E. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Blvd, Tampa, Mr. Maurice Levard Allen, Sr., eulogist. The interment will be held at Rest Haven Memorial Park Cemetery. Rev. Bernice Elizabeth Ash Allen, affectionately known as "Granny Goo Goo", passed away peacefully at the age of 75. She was born on April 6, 1949, in Apalachicola, Florida, and raised in Miami, Florida. She graduated from Miami Jackson Senior High School in 1968 and married her childhood friend and sweetheart, Morris Allen, on February 15, 1969. Together, they moved to Baltimore, Maryland, where they lovingly raised their two children and built a life rooted in faith and family. Bernice pursued a higher education at Coppin State University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice in 1979. She dedicated nearly three decades to the Maryland State Division of Corrections, where she broke barriers as one of the first women corrections officers in the state. Rising to the rank of Case Management Specialist Supervisor, Bernice was recognized with numerous awards for her fearless leadership and compassionate service.

A proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, Bernice joined the Annapolis Alumnae Chapter in 1991. As Chaplain of the chapter, she provided spiritual guidance and encouragement to her sorority sisters. Her unwavering faith was central to her life; she served on the Ministerial Staff at Asbury Town Neck United Methodist Church for over twenty years before being ordained as a Reverend. Known for her radiant spirit and generous heart, Bernice brought joy to all who knew her. She will be remembered for her love of family gatherings filled with food and laughter. She loved playing spades and eating crabs. She will also be remembered for her stylish church hats that reflected her vibrant personality, and the warmth she extended to everyone she met. May Reverend Bernice Elizabeth Ash Allen's memory bring comfort to those who loved her deeply and inspire all who were touched by her life of faith and service.

Bernice was preceded in death by her parents, Elijah and Doris Ash; beloved husband, Morris Allen; several siblings, Louis Joe Ash, Elijah Ash Jr., Jimmy Lee Ash and Mary Ann Ash; niece, Phyllis Bivins. Bernice's greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her children, Maurice Levard Allen (Nichole) and Veronica Bernice Allen; grandchildren, Maurice Allen, Jr. and Imani A. Elsezy (Deonte); great-grandchildren,  Zethan, Deonte, and Rumani; sisters, Barbara Ash Powell, Valentine Pearson, Leola Ash, and Nancy Ash Rose; brothers, Fred Thomas, Eddie Lee Ash, and Willie James Ash; as well as a host of nieces and nephews with a special relationship with nephews, Larry, and Troy (her Professor); nieces, Regina (Baby Cake) and Keyonna; great-nieces, Aisha (her best friend), Kemi, Tarvia, Teshara, and great nephews, Derrick and Cedrick; godchildren, Levy and Michelle and cherished friends. She shared special bonds with her best friend and soror, Debrita Simmons (Dee) and her ex-husband and friend, Joseph Johnson.  The friends and family are asked to meet at the funeral home on Saturday for the service.