Allen Yancy

Sgt. Major (Ret) Allen Yancy of DeRidder, LA, being obedient to the Master, made his earthly exit and entered into eternal rest on October 1, 2011, at his home surrounded by family and friends. Born in Natchez, MS, to Alberta Chatman and Robert Yancy on December 16, 1941, he grew “in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man.” Allen was educated in the Natchez Public School system, graduating from Sadie V. Thompson High School. He was a state champion basketball player and lettered in football. After the death of his mother, he declined an athletic scholarship from Mississippi Valley State University in order to care for his siblings. He entered the U.S. Army in 1964 and served his country with courage and valor. He rose from the rank of private to sergeant major, retiring in 1988. He served two tours of duty in Vietnam. Other duty stations were Fort Polk, LA, Fort Hood, TX, and Fort Sheridan, IL. He entered the recruiting command with duties in Waterloo, Iowa, Lansing, MI, Milwaukee, WI, and Peoria, IL.

He retired in 1987, and returned to DeRidder, LA with his family. At each of his duty stations, he became a vital part of the community. Becoming the first African American to serve as commander of American Legion Post 138 in Waterloo, IA, and being elected to state offices and placed on National Committees was a testimony to his leadership. Even as his heath declined, he remained an active and dedicated community servant-serving as president of the 911 Board, the Beauregard Community Action Association, Neighborhood Watch member, and on the Advisory Committee of Head Start. He supported many other civic organizations. An active and dedicated member of the Beech Grove Baptist Church, he served as a deacon, adult Sunday school teacher, church Treasurer, van driver, volunteer custodian, and worked at whatever his hands found to do.

He leaves a legacy of love, honor, integrity, humor, wisdom, and most of all righteousness that will remain in the hearts of all those who crossed his paths. Those who love him unconditionally and eternally, who will cherish his memory always and continue to trust in God until we meet him again are his wife Jerrye; sons, Bryan T. McNair (Leonia) of DeRidder, LA, Winfred Jones (Carolyn) of Leesville, LA; and daughter Alisa Yancy of DeRidder, LA; Maternal siblings, Charles Smith (Delores) of Indianapolis, IN, Frank James Russell, Sacramento, CA, Lionell Smith (Linda) of DeRidder, LA, and Viola Jackson (Larry), Natchez, MS; Paternal siblings: Theadore Yancy (Bertha), Maywood, IL, Adolph Green (Delores), Natchez, MS, Robert Green, Natchez, MS, Ruthie Green (Milton), Natchez, MS, Marva Jones, Natchez, MS, Mertis Fleming, Natchez, MS, E.J. Conner, Natchez, MS, Kenneth Wayne Green, Natchez, MS, Marcus Green, Vidalia, LA; Grandchildren, Stephanie, Britney, Karyn, Kory Allen, and Bryce Alexander; Great-grands: Cadavi and Mai Amour; Godchildren: Angela McKinght (Walter), James Lucas St. Romain, Bontia Rogers (George), Elmer Johnson, Jr. “Yancy’s Lil Girl”- Abigail Rogers (Willie), and Vincent Butcher (Stalanda).

Services will be held at Star of Bethlehem Baptist Church, Pastor Keith Stevenson, with Pastor Alfred L. Holmes, officiant, and Pastor Alvin Peters, Sr. presiding at 12:00 noon on Saturday, October 8, 2011. Visitation will be at the church from 10:00 a.m. until time of service. Interment at the Starlight Cemetery.