Earnest Allen Jr's Obituary
Earnest “Ernie” Allen Jr.
May 3, 1943 – February 13, 2025
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Earnest Allen Jr., who departed this life on February 13, 2025 at the age of 81 years old. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, sibling, and friend, whose kindness, wisdom, and love touched the lives of many people.
He was born on May 3, 1943 to Ernest Allen Sr. and Lillie Bell Allen, Ernie was later raised by his loving stepfather, David "DJ" Merritt, who embraced him and his siblings as his own. Ernie was the oldest of 13 children, a role that shaped his caring and protective nature throughout his life.
Ernie attended John Jefferson High School in Purvis, Mississippi, where he excelled in multiple sports, including football, baseball, and basketball. While he was talented in all of them, basketball brought him the most joy. He was a natural on the court, he won MVP honors, earned numerous trophies, and even received several scholarship offers.
After graduating high school, Ernie left Lumberton, Mississippi, behind and relocated to San Mateo, California, seeking greater opportunities and a better future for himself. He enrolled at San Mateo Jr. College, where he earned his degree as a Respiratory Therapist.
In 1964, Ernie met the love of his life, Eve Linda Purdy, and a few years later, on December 4, 1970, they were married. Eve had two children, Michael and Maurice, whom Ernie wholeheartedly accepted as his own children. Together, they built a beautiful family and a lifetime home in East Palo Alto, California, creating countless cherished memories.
Even after leaving Lumberton, Ernie remained deeply connected to his roots and family. He often traveled back over the summers to visit his children Brenda Holder, Vangerald Jackson, and Lucy Holder, cherishing the time spent together and maintaining his loving presence in their lives.
Ernie went on to dedicate over 40 years of his life as a devoted Respiratory Therapist Practitioner at Mills-Peninsula Medical Center, Burlingame, California, providing compassionate care and making a lasting impact on his colleagues and patients. After retiring, he devoted his time to caring for his beloved wife, demonstrating the same unwavering love and dedication that defined his career and life.
He was known for being in the comfort of his own home, watching TV and effortlessly switching from Cowboys and Indians movie to a basketball or football game, then catching up on the news. His warm heart, quiet personality, sense of humor, and passion for helping others left a lasting impression on everyone he met. His presence brought comfort and joy to those who knew him.
He is survived by his children, Vangerald Jackson and Maurice Allen; his grandchildren, Mikeala Allen, Cherice Riggleman, Franchesca Hashim, Ja’myria Holder, Jo’colby Holder, Jerron Allen, Vanessa Jackson, Michael Allen, Jasmine Holder, Maurice Allen Jr., and Maliyah Allen; his siblings, Lewis Allen, Curtis Merritt, Vivian Merritt, Charles Merritt, Cynthia Merritt, Ronnie Merritt, Carl Merritt, and Samuel Merritt. He also leaves to cherish a host of great-grandchildren, relatives and friends who will forever cherish his memory.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest Allen Sr. and Lillie Bell Merritt and stepfather David Merritt; his loving wife, Eve Allen; his daughters, Brenda Holder and Lucy Holder; his stepson Michael Allen; and his siblings. Gloria Allen, David Merritt, John Merritt and Calvin Merritt.
As we grieve, we find comfort in these words: "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted Matthew 5:4
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