Barbara Ann Allen

Barbara Ann Allen was born at Flower Hospital in New York City on August 28, 1960 to William and Kathleen Allen. Barbara attended Cherry Hill West H.S. and graduated in 1977. Barbara was known for loving life. Barbara was known as the neighborhood mother always cooking for everybody in the neighborhood, and providing a warm roof at her home for many who had no place to go.  Barbara was a bartender for 20 plus years.  Barbara worked at a number of popular bars like Joker, Cotton Club, Red Carpet, Talk of the Town, Sugar Boy, Bob’s Place, and Treasure Trap to name a few.  Barbara, known by many as Barbie Doll, because of her pretty smile and her love for fashion, moved on from bartending and attended the School for Culinary Arts, where she earned her culinary degree. She catered at many places throughout her career.

Barbara leaves behind seven children: Tekeya Allen, Tia Castillo, Latisha Myers, Mark Allen, Latoya Allen, Lessie Norwood, and Tyrone Allen.  She leaves behind two brothers:  Arnett Whitley and Taxi Allen, who predeceased Barbara; two special sisters:  Frances Arnett and Mary Farrin; a special friend:  Eugene Bradley; a special cousin:  Candy Borns; one daughter-in-law:  Gladys Allen; two son in-laws:  Adrian Norwood and Victor Myers; one godson:  Kenny Andrews; twenty grandchildren; three great grandchildren; and many cousins. Barbara was diagnosed with lung cancer eleven years ago, but Barbara did the unthinkable:  she battled eleven long years without treatment, even surprising the doctors with how long and hard she fought this disease. On March 30, 2023, Barbara gained her wings.