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Martha "Mots, Aunt Moppie" P. Allen

Baltimore, MD, USA

September 23, 1918 - July 7, 2020

Sep 23, 1918 - Jul 7, 2020

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Martha Patterson Allen

September 23, 1918 – July 7, 2020

Loving mother, wife, friend, civil rights activist, educator, United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Chairman and community activist.

Martha Justine Johnson Patterson Allen, a retired Baltimore City school teacher, died of respiratory failure on Monday, July 7, 2020, at Northwest Hospital. She was 101 years old. Martha Allen resided with her family in the Windsor Hills community for the past 59 years.

Martha was born in Baltimore, Maryland – the daughter of Grace and John Patterson. She attended Frederick Douglas High School, graduated from Coppin State Teachers College with an AA degree, and received her Master’s degree from Morgan State University. Martha pursued further studies at Morgan State and Loyola Universities in the disciplines of Accounting and Political Behavior. Martha also studied at the University of Maryland, School of Social Work.

Martha Allen leaves a profound and lasting influence on the many colleagues, friends, and youth whom she mentored. Renowned as an outstanding educator, she taught at the elementary school level from 1938 to 1963.

Martha went on to serve as the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Chairwoman for five productive years in the 1970s. For each of those years as Chairwoman, she exceeded the fundraising goals of the previous year. This windfall of funding assisted many worthy students seeking degrees in UNCF schools across the nation.

Her contributions to the community have been extensive and her efforts to work for the underprivileged have been highly commended. Martha served as President of the Lawyers Wives in the early 1960s and then worked as a volunteer captain for the 5th Legislative District Provident Hospital Development Fund. Other civic involvements include serving as a member of the Board of Directors for the March of Dimes Greater Baltimore Chapter and Chairing the Belle Hammerman Scholarship Committee. Martha chaired the Women's Committee for the NM Carroll Manor, a low-income residential community for seniors. She has received many honors for her services – including citations from the UNCF and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and the Sojourner Truth Award.

Her husband, the late Milton B. Allen, Sr. became the first Black State’s Attorney (1970-1974) in the United States. She was a lifetime member of the NAACP, Sharp Street Memorial United Methodist Church, Frederick Douglas High School Alumni Class of 1936, Morgan State University Alumni, and the Morgan University Women.

From 1976 to 1986, Martha Allen remained engaged in civil rights activism, while her husband served as Circuit Court judge. During a brief employment stint at the Baltimore Housing Department field office, she fought for the right of Housing clients to successfully obtain housing vouchers and placements. Martha also participated in several successful voter registration drives.

Martha P, as she was affectionally called, was a season ticket holder and an original Baltimore Colts fan. She was known for her frequent and hearty laughter. Her social and culinary arts skills were demonstrated through her hosting annual parties and celebrations at her Windsor Hills home. Here, Milton and Martha raised three sons, David B. Allen, Esq., Peter J. Allen and Milton B. Allen, Jr. The family was especially important to Martha, and she was proud of her children. Her eldest son, David, followed in his father’s footsteps by similarly serving as an attorney and a Orphans’ Court judge. Her middle son, Peter, a filmmaker, provided her great joy with his inherited culinary skills. Milton Jr. kept Martha current with the latest contemporary gospel hits through his international music company.

Martha’s husband of 61 years transitioned in 2003. The third of five children, Martha survived the passing of her four siblings – two brothers and two sisters. Martha Allen leaves to celebrate her life her three sons, her grandchildren Christian B. Allen, David M. Allen, and Ethan K. Allen. Christian is a producer, director, and videographer. He was the stalwart right-hand man and selfless companion and caregiver to the senior Allens for the past twenty-five years. Malcolm, like his father and grandfather, is an attorney. Ethan is a successful international entrepreneur. Martha has nine great-grandchildren, five great-great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, a host of friends, and extended family. Martha P. Allen was a wonderful special lady. She will be forever loved, and she will be missed.

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