Enyess Lucinda Allen, known affectionately to many as “Mother Allen,” passed away last week at age 67 following a long illness.
She was first lady of Cathedral of Praise Bibleway Church of God in Christ, which has been led by her husband, Bishop Edgar Allen Jr., since 1978.
A native of Chicago, Allen was nicknamed “Honeybunch” and “Bunchy” because of her friendly smile and demeanor.
She was well-known across denominational and racial lines as an accomplished musician who had a unique style and grace as an organist.
She began playing at age 13 at her father’s church. After studying at the Aurora Conservatory of Music, she played for Apostle R.D. Hinton as the first musician for his Monument of Faith Evangelistic Church in Chicago.
Allen served as national organist for the Women’s Choir for the Bibleway Churches Worldwide organization.
Services for Allen were March 7 at Christ Church Apostolic, with the eulogy delivered by Superintendent Tom Glenn of Emmanuel Church of God in Christ. Allen was laid to rest at Washington Park North Cemetery.
She is survived by Bishop Allen, six children and eight grandchildren.
