Esteen Register Allen was born on February 28, 1938, in Johnston County, North Carolina, to the late Eligah and Lettie Register. As the child of two sharecroppers, Esteen’s early years were defined by hard work and grit. She could often be found working in the cotton fields with her family, and she took on a variety of jobs to support the needs of her loved ones. In addition to her commitments on the farm, Esteen understood the value of being in the classroom. She was a student at Dunn High School where she graduated in 1956, and was the first and only person in her family to finish high school.
While working at the local dime store, Esteen made the acquaintance of Jasper “Jack” Allen; the two quickly became inseparable. On July 3, 1960, Esteen and Jack snuck off to Dillon, South Carolina, where they were married in secret. Their elopement sparked the beginning of a long and happy union with one another. Until Jack’s death in 2014, the duo shared a marriage that was filled with patience, compassion, and whimsy.
As the third oldest of six children, Mrs. Esteen naturally took on the role of a caretaker. Throughout her life, she was known to love others selflessly and in abundance. Indeed, she often put the needs of others before her own, a quality which came in handy while working as a nurse technician at Dorothea Dix Hospital. She once said one of the most fulfilling aspects of her job was being able to provide a glimmer of hope to those who were in the darkest parts of their lives.
Esteen’s care for others was not confined to her job. She was also a loving mother, sister, grandmother, and friend. When folks would pop in to visit, she would always offer a hot pot of coffee and something sweet to her guests. Moreover, her only grandchild, Amber, was one of her greatest sources of joy. They enjoyed almost every weekend together until Mrs. Esteen’s death, and would spend quality time together doing activities such as baking, fishing, feeding their cows, or taking afternoon naps.
Throughout her life, Esteen had a myriad of different hobbies and interests. On any given day, you could catch her tending to her succulent garden or working on a cross-stitch pattern. One of her favorite pastimes was sitting on her front porch, taking in the world around her and enjoying the sun. Esteen was also known for her outstanding baking skills; be it biscuits, cakes, or pies, her baked goods were a way for her to share a slice of kindness and warmth with others.
On March 1, 2021, a day after her 83rd Birthday, Esteen Register Allen passed quietly at her home in Smithfield, North Carolina. Her death was peaceful; she was surrounded by family and loved ones as she went to be with the Lord. Esteen is preceded in death by her husband, Jasper “Jack” Allen; siblings, Hazeline McLamb, Mamie Tart, Eligah “EJ” Register Jr.; and parents, Eligah and Lettie Register.
Even though her passing is certainly painful, Esteen’s remaining family hope to honor her life by continuing to uphold her deeply held values of living selflessly and boldly. Her legacy is carried on by her son, Shelton Allen, and his “right arm,” Jennifer Barwick; granddaughter, Amber Allen Marr, and her husband, Chandler Marr; sister, Shirley Lee; brother, Stacy Register; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other loved ones.
A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, March 4, 2021 at 11:00 a.m., at West & Dunn Funeral Home in Benson, North Carolina. Interment will follow at Banner Chapel A. C. Church Cemetery with a visitation to follow after the committal.
The family requires masks, physical distancing, and asks that all attendees adhere to COVID-19 guidelines put forth by the CDC.
Condolences may be made at www.westanddunn.com
Services have been entrusted to West & Dunn Funeral Home of Benson, North Carolina