Joann Marie Allen, age 83, of De Soto, Missouri passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at Mercy Hospital South. She was born on April 9, 1942, in Pevely, Missouri, the youngest child of the late Clifford Elmer and Minnie Belle (McDowell) Cowan. She entered this world at home with the assistance of a midwife aided by her oldest sister, Imogene, who she affectionately referred to as her “sister momma.” Joann was the youngest of six children, all who preceded her in death, Edna “Imogene” (the late Howard) Brust; James (the late Christine) Cowan; Elmer “Dale” (the late Dorothy) Cowan; Mary “Maxine” (the late Cecil) Vaughn; and Paul (the late Ruby) Cowan.

Her beloved husband of 36 years, Michael R. Allen of De Soto, Missouri, also preceded her in death.

She is survived by daughter, Kathy (Greg) Fisher of De Soto, Missouri and son, Brent (Rosemary) Woodard of Denver, North Carolina along with her blended children, Trisha (Greg Hahn) Allen of Tiff, Missouri and John (Cassie Rowe) Allen of Highlandville, Missouri. She also leaves behind eight grandchildren, Chris Fisher, Tristin (Liana) Woodard, Sierra Woodard, Makena Woodard, Tyler (Angi) Allen, Trenton Allen, Casey Allen, and Cody Allen; five great-grandchildren Langston, Alieyah, Kolsyn, Amelia, and Dakota; and brother-in-law Roger (Cathy) Allen. She was also blessed to have Weston and Havannah in her life along with many special nieces and nephews, her many friends as well as her Christian brothers and sisters.

Joann worked as a Dietary Manager at the former Jefferson Memorial Hospital in Festus, Missouri for many years and in elder care settings in the same role until the time of her retirement from Presbyterian Manor in Farmington, Missouri.

She was a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church of De Soto, Missouri and she was an active volunteer in their food ministry, and she also cherished her time volunteering for the children’s Vacation Bible School. She shared her love of God and spread His word to many. She loved fishing on the Black River with her husband, children and grandchildren; spending time outdoors where she stood in awe of many beautiful sunsets; and she always enjoyed a good game of dominoes with her friends. She loved her family dearly and cherished the time they spent together. In her final written words she shared this message, “Love to all and pray to see you again if you turn your eyes upon Jesus.”

Memorial gathering from 1:00 P.M. until the time of memorial service at 3:00 P.M., Friday October 24, 2025.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Emmanuel Baptist Food Ministry at 13270 State Road CC De Soto, MO 63020 or to the St. Louis Society for the Blind and Visually Impaired at 8770 Manchester Road St. Louis, MO 63144.

Thank you to Vinyard Funeral Homes. Obituary information for Joann Marie Allen

Paul Barnard Editor

Paul Barnard is the editor of the Twin City News. Barnard Graduated from Norwich University, America's oldest private military college, with a B.S. in Communications and Media Technology. There he studied journalism and marketing. For years after, Barnard was in law enforcement and gained experience in the Special Investigations Unit and publishing all the department's press releases. As Barnard's family grew, he moved on to start Twin City News.

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