Edena Hayes Allen, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, passed away peacefully on January 21, 2026. Born in January 5,1936 in Chester, South Carolina, Edena was the cherished daughter of Clinton and Dollie Hayes.

Edena grew up in the close-knit community of Chester and attended Finley High School in 1950. She often shared stories from her childhood, including a memorable day picking cotton when the sharp thorns caused her hands to bleed. After earning just two dollars for her hard work, she decided that experience was not one she wished to repeat, a testament to her resilience and determination even at a young age.

She met the love of her life, Albert Allen Jr. (1931–2020), a proud United States Marine Corps veteran and Montford Point Marine who served from 1947 to 1969. Their union was built on devotion, strength, and enduring love. Together, they created a legacy rooted in faith, family, and commitment.

Edena treasured her family deeply and maintained strong ties to her hometown. She and Albert faithfully traveled each year from North Carolina and California back to South Carolina to visit loved ones, keeping family traditions alive across generations.

She is lovingly remembered by her siblings: Quinzell Hayes (USMC Retired), Buddy Hayes, Peter Hayes, Charles Hayes, Donald Hayes, Wallace Hayes, Linda Hayes, and Darlene Hayes, along with her sisters-in-law Paulette Hayes, Gloria Hayes, and Claire Hayes.

Edena and Albert were blessed with a large and loving family. She leaves behind her children: Steve Allen (USMC Veteran), Albert Allen III, Donald E. Allen, Sylvia Clark, Anthony T. Allen, 

Quinzell E. Allen, and Edena Diana Ladd. She also leaves daughters-in-law Sherry Allen, Merlinda Allen, Karen Allen, and Marritte White Allen, and sons-in-law Andrew R. Ladd and Curtis Clark.

Her legacy continues through 16 nieces and nephews, 13 grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren, all of whom brought immense joy to her life.

Later in life, Edena and her husband found great happiness living in and exploring the beautiful Pacific Northwest, especially the Puget Sound region of Washington. She appreciated the natural beauty, peaceful surroundings, and the memories they built together there.

Edena was known for her warmth, quiet strength, and unwavering love for family. She carried herself with grace and left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Today, we find comfort in knowing that Edena is reunited in heaven with her beloved husband, Albert, beginning their new journey together in eternal peace.

Edena Hayes Allen will be laid to rest beside her husband at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, Washington, honoring their lifelong bond and his distinguished military service.

Her love remains our guiding light, and her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.