On Saturday March 26, 2022, Donna Jeanne Cornwell Allen, passed into the loving arms of her Savior Jesus Christ.  She was born October 14, 1943, to the late Robert L. and Helen McCarley Cornwell.

Donna was raised on Vine Street in Gallipolis, attended Washington School, and graduated from Gallia Academy High School with the class of 1961.  She attended Ohio State University and Rio Grande College.

Two years after graduation, she married her high school sweetheart John Michael (Mike) Allen.  Together they raised their three children Mark, Julie, and Jill and considered it their most valued joint venture.

In 1972, Mike and Donna opened Jack & Jill's children's store which Donna managed until 1991.  She also assisted Mike in several other businesses including The Bastille Menswear store, The Outpost Western Wear store, and ABC Children's store.  After selling Jack & Jill's in 1991, Donna joined the staff of Tope's Furniture remaining there until recently.  She enjoyed working with customers and helping them redecorate and furnish their homes.

Donna was a member of Grace United Methodist Church having been baptized there in April of 1944, the day before her father left for World War II.  (He returned in November of 1945.)  In 1956, Donna and her confirmation class became members of Grace Church where she has remained a member throughout her life.  Over the years she served her church by teaching Sunday School for 20 years and by serving on several committees including Trustees, Education, and Evangelism.  She was a member of the Mary of Bethany Circle, the LOL Women's group, and the Wednesday morning Book Study group.  She truly loved Grace Church and her church family.

Donna is survived by her loving husband of 58 years John Michael (Mike) Allen of Gallipolis; children Mark Thomas Allen, his wife Lynne and their children Mark Thomas II and Kathleen Elizabeth of Gallipolis; daughter Julie Allen Keel, her husband John and their children Davis, Meredith Kathleen, and Morgan Elizabeth of Ashville, Ohio; Jill Allen Koeske, her husband Paul and their three sons Matthew, Jonathan, and Aaron of Fishers, Indiana.

Donna was preceded in death by her sister Janet Johnson.  She is survived by her sister Martha Cornwell of Columbus and Gallipolis, brother Robert (Bob) Cornwell and his wife Kim of Gallipolis along with their boys Jordan (Maddie and son Kampton) of Westerville, Ohio and Miles of Gallipolis, who were like grandsons; brother- in- law Ted Johnson of Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania; Special friends Johnny and Candie Hood of Orlando, Florida and longtime friends Sue Daily Miller (Philip) and Charlene Evans Morgan (Russ) both of Columbus, Ohio.

Family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 pm Thursday, March 31, 2022 at Grace United Methodist Church 600 Second Avenue, Gallipolis, Ohio.   Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 am Friday, April 1, 2022 at Grace United Methodist Church with Pastor Ray Kane officiating. Burial will follow in the Pine Street Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the Grace United Methodist Church youth group or the Gallia County Snack Pack program c/o Grace United Methodist Church.

The family would like to extend sincere thanks to the many Holzer Hospital and Holzer Home Health staff who cared for Donna in the last several months.  Special thanks to Holzer Hospice and Dr. Carlton Herald for their kind and compassionate care.

Pallbearers will be: Mark Thomas Allen II, Davis Keel, Matthew Koeske, Jonathan Koeske. Aaron Koeske, Jordan Cornwell, and Miles Cornwell. Honorary Pallbearers will be: Andy Hout and Danny Sickels.

Waugh-Halley-Wood Funeral Home is assisting the family with the services.

An online guest registry is available at waugh-halley-wood.com