Fern Emma Allen's Obituary
Rev. Fern E. Allen, age 84, of White Plains, MD, went Home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on September 7, 2023. Fern was a loving woman that could bring joy and laughter to anyone around her. She lived a full and vibrant life, with humble beginnings in a small town in New Jersey. She found her way to Maryland, married the love of her life, had a beautiful family, and lived her life proclaiming the name of Jesus. When she was not at home with her children or at church, Fern worked as a manager for People’s Drug Store, a substitute teacher for Charles County Public Schools and also worked with her son at his tax office for many years. As a strong woman of the Christian faith, Fern served God in any way she could with great fervor, and became an ordained minister through Global Christian Ministry Forum. She ministered to troubled youth at Cheltenham Youth Detention Center (previously known as Boys’ Village of Maryland). She served as a drug and alcohol rehabilitation counselor with Teen Challenge of America, a children’s pastor at National Church of God in Fort Washington, MD, and at Cedarville Assembly of God in Brandywine, MD, and founded Sonshine Family Ministries Inc., presenting the Gospel of Jesus to children and families throughout DC and Southern Maryland.
Fern is survived by her four sons, Joseph “J.P.” Brehm, Sr. and his wife Trish Brown, Jonathan Allen and Kim Paul, Timothy Allen and his wife Shelley, and James Allen Jr.; her spiritual (God-given) daughter, Rev. Holly Deas; her grandchildren Joseph Brehm Jr. and his wife Kelly, Katherine Allen, Tim Allen and his wife Lyzz, Destiny Philips and her husband Bill, Madison Allen, and Rylie Allen; and her great-grandchildren Tessa, Conor, Janai, Kamal, Milani, Ethan, Jaxson, Amelie, and Elias. She is also survived by her special friends, Mary Ann Chastain, Rev. Randy & Ingaborg Curtis, Rev. Richard & Rev. Christine Dunk, Lucy Ndounge, Teresa Raper, and Angel Richards , as well as a multitude of children and adults that she has ministered to throughout her life.
Fern is preceded in death by her husband and love of her life, Rev. James Allen Sr.; her son, Christopher Brehm; her parents, Paul Mentzel and Sarah Daniels; her mother-in-law, Ila Allen; sister-in-law Patsy Miley and her special brother-in-law, Walter “Sonny” Allen.
The family would like to extend a special “thank you” to Madhu K. Mohan, M.D., Margaret Austin, N.P., and Rommaan Ahmad, M.D., for providing excellent and loving medical care over the years.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you would honor Fern’s memory with a random act of kindness toward someone in need. However, if you would like to send flowers, please send them to Thornton Funeral Home, P.A., 3439 Livingston Road, Indian Head, Maryland 20640.
Her Viewing will be 1-4:00 p.m. and 5-7:00 p.m., Friday, September 15, 2023 in the Chapel of Thornton Funeral Home, P.A., 3439 Livingston Road, Indian Head, Maryland 20640. A Viewing at 9:00 a.m. until time of Service, 10:00 a.m., Saturday, September 16, 2023, Cedarville Assembly of God Church, 11600 Cedarville Road, Brandywine, Maryland 20613.
Interment, Trinity Memorial Gardens, 3221 Mattawoman Beantown Road, Waldorf, Maryland 20601.
What’s your fondest memory of Fern?
What’s a lesson you learned from Fern?
Share a story where Fern's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Fern you’ll never forget.
How did Fern make you smile?
