Jan. 12, 1928 – Jan. 31, 2020

Natchez — Memorial services for Althea “Kelly” McAllister, 92, of Natchez, formerly of New Jersey, who died Friday, Jan. 31, 2020, in Natchez will be 2 p.m. Sunday at Laird Funeral Home Chapel with Brother Paul Southerland officiating.

Burial will be at a later date at George Washington Memorial Park Cemetery in Paramus, New Jersey.

Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until service time Sunday at the funeral home.

Mrs. McAllister, Althea, Kelly, Mom and Nana. She had so many names and titles and she cherished every one of them. She was a devoted loving wife of the “late” Colonel Eugene McAllister for 32 years until his passing in 2004. She was a wonderful mom and an adoring grandmother. She thought her son Spencer hung the moon. Never met a stranger and lovingly embraced all of Spencer’s close friends as family.

She was quick-witted with a dry sense of humor that would keep you laughing. There was not a subject she couldn’t talk to you about with ease. Also, we have learned that she enjoyed a good scavenger hunt too!

Her high school yearbook notated her as the next fashion designer of New York City and nicknamed her “Starry.” She had closets full of beautiful clothes, shoes and hats. She was always dressed to the 9’s like a true fashionista. Every day, even in her 90’s she got up and got dressed, fixed her hair and put on her make-up. She was a beautiful woman that never looked or acted her age.

During her working years, she was the Executive Secretary for the President of Sears & Roebuck in New York City. She always provided an immaculate home for her family. Since Colonel Eugene was away a lot with the Army, she was awarded an Army Meritorious Service Medal at his retirement ceremony at West Point.

She was a very talented and artistic. She could draw, paint, sew, needle point and do stained glass art. Many beautiful pieces of her various artwork can be found throughout her home.

In all, she was a true lady in every sense of the word, lived life to the fullest, never took anything for granted, loved with her whole heart, had an amazing life, and will be greatly missed.

Mrs. McAllister was preceded in death by her husband, Colonel Eugene McAllister; daughter, Dawnell Dean; sister Irma Brown and brother Wilson Witten.

She was the loving mother of Spencer McAllister of Natchez and Colts Neck, New Jersey; a dear grandmother of Molly McAllister of Kennesaw, Ga. and Natchez, and had numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Honorary pallbearers will be Lisa Sanders, Hanna Willis, Brittany Morace, Robert Fornea, Travis Patten and Frank Smith.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at lairdfh.com.