Sandra (Sandy) Lea Allen

Sandra (Sandy) Lea Allen passed from this life at the age of 75 years on January 6, 2026. She was at home, at peace, and surrounded by love.

Born in Beaumont, TX, January 5, 1951 to Kenneth and Lillian (Van Slyke) Fuller, Sandy was a writer, teacher, and researcher, with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Communication from Stephen F. Austin State University; a master’s degree in Educational Technology Leadership from Lamar University; and a legal assistant certification from Tyler Junior College and the National Association of Legal Assistants. Her multi-faceted career provided experience as a journalist, researcher, certified legal assistant, and teacher in private, public, and college settings. She began her career as a journalist for the Rusk Cherokeean, an award-winning weekly newspaper, then served as Principal for a Christian school in Jacksonville. After moving their family to Baytown, TX, Sandy served as a paralegal for a Houston law firm before becoming a Language Arts teacher at Baytown Junior High.

She authored a published thesis, “The Iron Men: An Historical Review of the East Texas State Penitentiary,” which is still published on the Cherokee County Historical Commission website. She was an apprentice genealogist and member of the Association of Professional Genealogists, while working toward certification from the Board for the Certification of Genealogists. One of her greatest gifts was communication through words. Many have been blessed by her various writings, especially in Biblical and spiritual studies, which served as lessons for adult Sunday School classes. 

Sandy’s greatest treasures in life were her relationship with God Almighty, her husband, family and friends. She will be deeply missed but remembered with great affection by all who loved her.

Sandy is survived by her husband, Benjamin Randolph (Randy) Allen; her children, Stephen Allen, Scott (Katie) Allen, and Karen (Doc) Fenner; siblings, Dale (Nancy) Fuller, Deborah (David) Cocos, Donna (Stephen) Cusumano, Tim (Sharon) Fuller, and Laura (Jeff) Tracy; grandchildren, Morgan, Rachel, Luke, Lily, Caleb, and Aiden Allen; and seven nieces and nephews. Sandy is preceded in death by her parents and her nephew, Clayton Cocos.

 2 Timothy 4:7-8

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also all who have loved His appearing.”

Visitation will be Friday, January 9 from 6 – 8 pm, at Autry Funeral Home, 1025 Southeast Loop 456, Jacksonville, TX.

Funeral will be held at People’s Church on Saturday, January 10 at 10 am, 14089 US Hwy 79 E, Jacksonville, TX. Interment will immediately follow the funeral at Still Waters Memorial Gardens.

 Light refreshments will be served following burial in the fellowship hall at the rear of People’s Church. Friends and family are welcome to attend all portions of the memorial services.

In lieu of flowers, please make any donations to Compassion International at Compassion.com.