Mary Grace Allen, 82, of Houston, went to her heavenly home Monday, April 13, 2015. She was born on January 16, 1933 to Esther Stelley Martinez and Adley Martinez. A native of Port Arthur, Texas, where she attended St. Mary Elementary and Bishop Byrne High School, Grace most recently lived in Houston. She was a long-time resident of Lake Charles but also resided in a number of other Texas and Louisiana locations including Vidor and Beaumont.

While a resident of Hotel Beaumont, Grace was able to regularly participate in liturgical services at nearby St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica. As a life-long Catholic, Grace cherished and valued this opportunity to deepen her faith life.

Grace was a loving and caring wife, mother, sister, and friend. She was a meticulous homemaker, fantastic cook and as a seamstress achieved perfection in her projects.

She is preceded in death by her devoted husband of thirty-three years, Melvin E. Allen; parents, Esther and Adley L. Martinez; sisters, Juanita “Nita” Kavanaugh and Dolores “Pudd” Viator; and many other family members and friends.

Left to cherish her memory are her sons, Gary Allen and fiancé, Rita Lacombe, of Lake Charles, Louisiana; and Scott Allen; daughters, Iris Nosker and husband, Kevin, of Kankakee, Illinois; Kathy Webb and husband, Larry, of Cypress, Texas; and Donna Harrell and husband, John, of Hemphill, Texas; brother, Eugene “Gene” Martinez and sister-in-law, Carolyn, of Nederland, TX; sisters-in- law, Geraldine Allen of Groves and Ruby Lyday of Luling, Louisiana; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews and nieces.

A gathering of Mrs. Allen’s family and friends will be 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 15, 2015, at Broussard's, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont, Texas. Brother Bo Owens of Fairdale Baptist Church will bring a message at 6:30 p.m. Reverend Monsignor Jeremiah McGrath, rector of Saint Anthony Cathedral Basilica, will conduct the Rite of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, April 16, 2015, at Broussard’s, with interment will follow at Consolata Cemetery, 2300 Country Club Road, Lake Charles, Louisiana.