As the sun set on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, it meant sunrise and sunset for one who looked forward to the dawn of each day because it meant God still had work for her to do earth side. She loved God with every fiber in her because she knew obedience was greater than sacrifice. But most of all, she knew she could trust Him.

We come together to celebrate the purpose driven life of Darlene Jones Allen. Darlene (who was also affectionately known as "Bone") was born on the 18th day of January 1962 in Gulfport, Mississippi, to John D. and Earline Jones. She accepted Christ at an any early age and continued her spiritual growth at Cypress Grove Missionary Baptist Church, of Kenner, Louisiana under the leadership of Rev. Fred T. Porter who gave her the spiritual foundation that taught her how to live a life devoted to God and family. She later joined Beacon Light International Baptist Cathedral of New Orleans, Louisiana, under the leadership of Bishop Darryl S. Brister; where she remained a faithful member until God called her home.

Darlene graduated from Harrison Central High School in Gulfport, Mississippi and continued her education at Mississippi Valley State University where she studied Business Administration which prepared her to later become a business owner of Esteem Beauty Boutique, where she focused on elevating beauty of all who entered her salon from the inside out. She would often tell her clients, after a completed a service, "you are all done, I can't make you any more beautiful than you already are."

Darlene devoted herself to her one and only daughter, whom she affectionately referred to as her "child" or baby girl (Daarina Haneefah Phillips). They were two peas in a pod. They enjoyed traveling together, laughing together, praying together, going to church together, and most of all just being together. Darlene was an avid reader and writer. Her home was filled with books and journals where you could find anything from a short story she was writing, to a poem, or a prayer. She had a heart for God and personified gracious elegance and style. She was fiercely authentic and if you were blessed to call her friend she would make you smile, laugh, and reach for your highest self. She expected God's best for everyone in her life or anyone who crossed her path. She was a servant of God first and foremost. Her imprint in this world will continue on even as she is now resting with the Father.

Darlene is proceeded in death by her parents, John D. Jones, and Earline Harmon Jones; her husband, Percy Lee Allen; one brother, Clifton Maurice Jones and one sister, Bobbie Jean Eichelberger.

She leaves to cherish her loving memory, one daughter; Daarina Haneefah Phillips, Esq., New Orleans, LA; two sisters; Shirley Jones, Gulfport, MS, Wanda Rene (Larry) Scott, Gulfport, MS ; three brothers, Gerald (Walterine) Jones, Gulfport, MS, Jerome (Trini) Jones, Spartanburg, SC, Pastor John (Shenee) Jones, Jr., Gulfport, MS. She will be dearly missed by her aunt, Shirley Bowles and her uncles, Bobby Jones, and William P. Jones all of Gulfport, MS and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.