Verla Allen, retired Downey High teacher, passes away

DOWNEY -- Verla Maurine Oldham Allen passed away peacefully, with her family at
her side, on March 9 at her home in Long Beach.

Verla was born in Coalgate, Okla., on Jan. 29, 1921. She attended Oklahoma A&M, in Stillwater, Okla., where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics, in 1942.  

While attending college, she met Marvin Richard Allen. After both graduated in 1942, Marvin entered World War II by joining the U.S. Army Air Corp. During the war, Verla taught high school.  

Marvin returned from the war in 1945 and they were married in Stillwater. While starting a family, both worked on their masters degrees and received them in 1952. Verla received a Master of Science in Home Economics.

Both continued to teach until they moved their family of three children to Long Beach in 1952. Upon their arrival in Long Beach, Verla was hired as a Home Economics teacher at Downey High School. A fourth child was born in Long Beach in 1953. Verla continued to teach at Downey High School until her retirement in 1984.  

After Marvin’s passing in 1985, Verla continued to work as a substitute teacher for Downey Unified School District, into her 70’s.

She is survived by her son, Stephen Allen; daughters Linda James, Judi Overturf, Susan Owenby; 7 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, four great-great grandchildren.  

Services will be held at Cypress Forest Lawn Church of Our Fathers on Saturday, March 26, at 9 am.