Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Georgia Williams Allen, Sunrise: May 12, 1919 - Sunset: January 11, 2014, Friday, January 17, 2014, 11:00 A.M., Warren Memorial United Methodist Church, 181 Joseph Lowery Boulevard, Southwest, Atlanta, Georgia 30314, The Reverend Donald K. Reed, Sr., Senior Pastor

CELEBRATING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF
Sunrile- May 12, 1919
FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2014
11:00 A.M.
WARREN MEMORIAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 181 JOSEPH E. LOWERY BOULEVARD, SOUTHWEST, ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30314
The Reverend Donald K Reed, S1:, Senwr PM tor

ACT ONE
Scene: (garden)

REPORTER:Thankyoufortakingthetimetospeakwithme. Canyou tell me alittle aboutyourselfMs. Allen. GEORGIA: Where wouldyou ltkefor me to start?

REPORTER: Ohldon'tknow, how aboutwhen and where you were born? GEORGIA Well I made my entrance on the twelfth day ifMay in f!J19 in.Beaumon~ Texas. I was an onlychildborn to Mr. !if.! Wtlron Williams andMrs. LillieMae.Burkley Williams. They namedme Georgia Mae.

REPORTER: Mae? GEORGIA (with resignaaon) Yes~ Mae. Mom passedthat on to me_ even though she dislikedthe name herseft andchangedher name to Lillian.

REPORTER: Then why give you the name? GEORGIA I don't know. I'm going to ask her that very quesaon one day.

REPORTER: Did you have a happy childhood? GEORGIA: _My daddy spoiledme something ternble andmy mom was the disciplL!wrian. He was a cabinet makerandThe Wayward Wtnd couldhave been his theme song. He was a restless wtndthatyearnedto wander. So when I reachedschool age she lift him because I neededto be tn oneplace longer than a month ortwo ata aine.

REPORTER: Wheredid yougo? GEORGIA North to Milwaukee andeventually to Cleveland She workedas a matdtn hotels andprivate lzomes andbecame both motherandfother to me.

REPORTER: Did you ever see him again? GEORGIA When I wassixyears oldhe was working to get the money to come andget my motherandme_ buthefell offifa sca.ffoldandbroke his neck.

High School Graduaaon

REPORTER: Howdid youend up in the state ofGeorgia? GEORGIA I was one iftwo "Negroes"tn the semordars ofall girls atEastHigh tn 1938. An unclesuggestedthatI come south to get a "dtifrrent"ktndifexperience. So tnsteadofWestern Reseroe I chose Clark University_ a co-edschool Howeve~; I dtd notgo down to Atlanta unalthe secondsemester ofthe schoolyear. /lad
I notgone when I dtdmy life mighthave been totally dtifrrent.

REPORTER: Oh and why is that? GEORGIA: My love oftheaterstartedat the Phyllis Wheatley YWCA in Cleveland I carriedthat bugto Clark andwas cast opposite a ~ .. sixfoot tall, good-looking . .. "seniornamedThad, in theplay "Through The Keyhole. "Ihaddeadedearly thatI lmtedboys andwouldneverget married When !finishedschool/ wouldget ajob, buya green convertible andmymotherandI wouldtravelthe world Buton .June4, 1941 Thaddius SlaterAUen changedmy nu'nd Even though ourcourtship lastedalmosttwo anda ha!fyears I sliDbroke down in tears. "Idoni know this man; why amimarryingsomebody thatI doniknow, ... "My mother, who hadcomefor the occasion andmyroommate/bridesmaid, EleanorRogers (Gittens) soothedandconsoledme.
REPORTER: Didyou tnar:ryhim? GEORGIA Is sixty-seven years long enoughfor you?
REPORTER: Are there children? GEORGIA Two, .Judith Myrna andHenryBurkley. A thirdchild was lostto theAtlanta Publtc SchoolSystem.
REPORTER: And grands? GEORGIA: Two, MontcaLynn and.ftU.!eanine.
REPORTER: Did you earn your degree? GEORGIA: The BA degree was earnedon .June2ndofthefoUowingyear. Pnorto graduatingAlpha Pi Chapteracceptedme into tlte members/up ifAlpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. A grantallowed me to aaendtheSummerlnstiLute in Repertory Theatre atthe University ofCalifornia atSanta Barbarafor a summerin 1968. In 1970 I earnedthe MA degree in DramaacArts.from UCSB.

ACT TWO SCENE: (as they move towards a set o/largegates)

REPORTER: Now that covers your personal
life, butwhat have your professional
contributions been like? GEORGIA: I taughtLanguage andDramaac to elementaryandhigh schoolstudents in the Atlanta PublicSchoolSystemfor twenty-seven years. In tg68 when the Evangelical United Brethren Church andthe Methodist Church came together in a UnifYing Conference to become the new UnitedMethodist Church~ Dr. ]amesP. Brawleyenlistedmyseroices as director ofa speakingchoiUSfor thathistone occasion. Overtheyears I 've been recognizedfor work in education andthe arts by
churches~ soroniies~ the state o/Georgia~former students~ theatre anddance companies.
Worktng on advisorypaneLrfor the Martin LutherKing, Jr.~ Centerfor Social Change, Georgia Counctlfor theArtsandHumamties the Georgia Film and Video Commission
andthe boards o/lust Us Theatre~ New Cosmos Theatre andthe NeighborhoodArts
Center have aDgiven me the opportumty to give back to the commumty. I am afounding memberof4fhcan Americansfor theArts andholdmemberships in Screen Actors Gutld-Producers andActor'sEqULty (pause) Is Llpossible to wrap this up? I'vegotan appointment beyond these gates.

REPORTER: Do you have time to tell me about your stage and screen accomplishments? GEORGIA: (handtng the Reportersomepapers) Why don't!justgiveyou this biographical informaaon. I think you '11find allthatyou need, because I can 't be late.

~vr. lrMpite OfHinuelf~~

REPORTER: (takingthepapers) Well thank

you, I'll sendyou a copyofthe article when it's finished.

GEORGIA (turning to enterthegates) Thanksforyourinterestin an ole lady. (exit)

REPORTER: Mypleasure. (starting to read) In 1949 when she lent her talents to the Atlanta UniversityStunmer Theatre sbe continued a journeythatbegan at the Phyllis WheatleyY.W.C.A. in Cleveland, Ohio while still in high school. She renrrned to ber almatnater in 1963 when cast in the part ofLinda opposite Frederick O'Neal in Dead1 ofa Salesman. FrankWhittow, director ofthe highly regarded all white AcademyTheatre, saw her perfonnance and asked her to audition. Roles in Macbeth (IstWitcb), Chalk Garden (Madrigal) and Tartuffe (Dorine) followed. Georgia's students were beneficiaries ofthat alliance as well. Theybuilt on the foundation that she had given them in school, at the Academy, and some went on to become professional directors, actresses/actors and founders ofBlackTheatre companies.

The experience with the Academyled to traditional white and black role offers with other predominantlywbite community and professional companies also. Her perfonnance ofthe Fortune Teller in The Skin ofOur Teeth at the Pocket Theatre, won a 1967Atlanta Drama Critics Award for Best SupportingActress; sbe was cast as Alberta wben Broadway's Cort Theatre hosted Theatre Atlanta's Red White and Maddox; sbe originated the role ofBigMama in Shakin' the Mess Outta Misery at the Horizon Theatre; sbe walked the boards as Lena (Mama) in

Raisin in the Sun attheMilwaukee (Wisconsin) RepertoryTheatre (ClarkAlumKennyleon directed) andwhen Hans Conreid starredin SunshineBoysattheMidnightStmDinnerTheatreshewastheRegisteredNurse.
Successin live theatre led to partson the "big" and "little" screens too. Amonghermanycredits are GreasedLightin', Midnightin the Garden ofCood and Evil, Madea'sFamilyReunion, BoyKing, FreedomRoad and I KnowWhythe Cagro BirdSings. Her talents havebeen seenin nationalandlocal television commercials (Schlitz Beer, CocaCola, Redlobster, PBS), printads (Southern Bell, Church's, United Way) and heard invoice-overs (Saralee) to mention afew.
Ceorgiaistherecipient ofthe BronzeJubileeAward for long-Time Contribution to theArts (Adanta, 1979), Woman ofdteYear inthe Arts, BronzeWoman oftheYear (lotaPhiLambdaSorority,Adanta, I~b), RayMciverAwardforOutstandingAchievementin theArts (JustUsTheatre Company, 1g85) TbeTorchAwardforExcellence in Theatre (DeltaSigmaThetaSorority, feanrrefihnsandinfronnggo and theYouthEnsembleofAdanta's "AllThatYouAre" award, 2009
TheYouthEnsetnbleofAdantacelebratedCeorgiaasthefirstrecipientofthe"AllThatYouAreAward"in2009.lnthesouvenirprogratn the following tributewas paid,' ... Hercareeris distinguishedbothbylon~tyand the caliber ofherachievements in everyarenawhere shehasbeenblessed to be fotmd- on the stagefromAdantato Broadway, infeature films and in front ofclassrooms. Herworkwithstudents has been integral to herlife in the arts; she graciouslyacknowl~ thatshelearnswhile teaching, receiveswhile directingthem or, is directedbythem, and too, rllatsherelishes in rlle achievements ofrlle stt1dents ''who staywithit." Allen'slegacyis agracious spirit.... That one sogifted, soesteemed, and so nurnrringcanbeso humble- is alessonfor thosewhowillhear. Her careeris a source ofinspiration for rlle giftedandrlleaspiring. Theadvicesheofferstorllosewhohaveyettoreachherplaceinlifeistoknowrllatyouaretrulyblessed-andtoshare those blessings. As rlle teacher teaches, shelearns and lives. So, itiswirllMrs. Allen.'
~w~
Ceorgiaissurvivedbyonedaughter,JudithAll.enlpJ;J:nnllA.r .Bruce);oneson,HenryBurldeyAllen(Hilda);twogranddaughters,Monica MyrickJenkins(David,astep-grandson,Jordan)an JeanineMyrick(Dr.DexterTodmann,fiance);nephews,RobertJackson(Ruth) ofHarrisburg, Pennsylvania, CeorgiaFrederickHurley(loretta) ofBowieMaryland, Richard Allen Lee (Betty) ofAthens, Ceorgia, RobertJohnson ofDanbury, Connecticut, louisMarionSmithJr. (Mary) ofO'Fallon, Dlinois, Ronald BernardthJackson Brown of Athens, Ceorgia,VIvian Allen Dixon ofHampton,Vrrginia, and CordeliaBamettAllenofAthens, Ceorgia; cousins, lesterMcDowell (LainandCedarian)ofWaco, Texas, andahostofothersfromTexas,lester AmoldandBerniceHoganHall;ahostofgrandnephews, grandnieces, great-grandnephews, great-grandnieces, onegreat-great-grandnephew, closefamilyfriends, Dr. BettyOark, Lynn Klein and Janet Spector.

PRELUDE

''Sweet, SweetSpirit"

David C. Stills, Organist

GREETING

The Reverend Donald K. Reed, Sr.

HYMN OF CELEBRATION

''Amazing Grace"

UM Hymnal # 378

SCRIPTURES: The Old Testament, Proverbs 31:I0-3I The New Testament, I Thessalonians 4:13-18

The Bishop Richard B. Lankford, Sr. The Reverend Derrick Rice

PRAYER

The Reverend Dr. Michael D. Stinson

CELEBRATION IN SONG

''In My Home Over There"

The Bishop Richard B. Lankford, Sr.

REFLECTIONS (Three Minutes, please)

Co-Worker, Frederica Hurley Former Student,The Honorable Marvin S. Arrington, Sr.
Performing Arts, LaTanya Richardson Jackson Warren Clergy, The Reverend Dr. Vincent Miller A Grandmother's Love, Monica Lynn Myrick Jenkins

LIGHTING OF CANDLE OF REMEMBRANCE

Monica Lynn Myrick Jenkins Jill Jeanine Myrick

SILENT REFLECTIONS OF GEORGIAALLEN'S UFE

''My Task "

Bernice H. Hall Accompaniedby Trey Clegg

CELEBRATION IN SONG

"TotalPraise "

Challenged Through Christ Christian Ministries

WORDS OF COMFORT

The Reverend Donald K. Reed, Sr.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS RECESSIONAL

''Rocka My Sou/In The Bosom ifAbralzam "

The Reverend Donald K. Reed, Sr. Traditional Spiritual

d~
Crest Lawn Memorial Park 2000 Marietta Boulevard, Northwest
Atlanta, Georgia

Many people have a t~aying, ~ltd not how you dfart the race but howyoufinMh ,_I

tJreaitica1in t~baping the kind of

journey you take and beginningd can Jranuzticall:y a/feet the way youfinMh. Mrt~. Al/m, I willa/wayJ hegrateful that you we~ a part ofmy

beginning. Ad one ofmyfirt~t'drama teacherd I learneJ the importance ofwing allofmyde!Med. To look, to 1Mten, to t~me/1, to lMte, to touch, tofeel

andto learn. To create anenvironmentthat Wad real, butf4t roomfor the magicto unfo/J. To heMe the characterin truthdo thathon&Jtcaring cou/J

takeplace even when the character wMnt likeable. To we every inch oft~paceproviJeJ. Above all, to love theprof&Mion andto be rMpectjulofthe art.

Adyou~ being honoreJtonightfor alloftheyeart~ you lovedenough to teach. PleMe know thatyourgreai:MtleMon wCM beingan example by'doing
whatyou taught I am ble&eJto have ha'dyou in my beginningfrom the ((Brave Iiltle Taylornto Ij;lerPerryJ ~1/owe ofPayne nandeveryt~top in bdween. Thanlc you, Mrt~. Allen, Go() ble& you.

Denife Burde, Actor and Stu'dent A Tat~te of YEA
Gala Fun'draifing Event With a t~pecial tribute to living legend Georgia Allen
Saturday, AugUdt 15,2009 Rialto Center for the Artt~

The family of Mrs. Georgia Williams Allen extends sincere appreciation for the many expressions of love. Though there were many prayer warriors, a special thank you is extended to the members of Warren Memorial United Methodist Church, the Atlanta International Christian Praise Center, Sankofa United Church of Christ, St. Paul's Epi copal Church, St. Mark A.M.E. Church, Challenged Through Christ Christian Ministries, and the employees of Ofori & Associates, PC.

Thank you to the ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated for their love and sisterhood. A special acknowledgement goes to . Bruce Ingram for his patience, time, and love throughout the past five years. With love and admiration, we acknowledge the medical advice and support from our very own Dr. Dexter Todmann. Without your guidance, the quality of healthcare that was provided would have never met the exceptional level received. As a result of your recommendations, we also have a special note of thanks to Elaine Booker, RN, of Guardian Home Care & Hospice. Your tender touch and unwavering attention made an unmeasurable impact on the quality of care received by our loved one in the comfort of her home.

Words could never express the gratitude and sincere appreciation to Dr. Robert Kaufmann, her attending physician, and the staff of Kaufmann Clinic. The nurses of the 6th Floor and ICU at Emory Midtown Hospital. Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you.

The fruit baskets, cards, flowers, kind deeds, phone calls, and prayers were always a source of joy to her and now will he a source of strength for us as we face tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow.

MURRAY BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME CASCADE CHAPEL 1199 UTOYSPRINGS RD, SW ATLANTA, GA 30331 (404) 349-3000

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