Octavia "Tavie" Maxwell Allen

Octavia "Tavie" Maxwell Allen, age 97, widow of Emmett Allen, died on Jan. 18, 2013, in Searcy, Ark. She was born on May 21, 1915, in Sulphur Rock, Ark., the daughter of Robert Maxwell Jr. and Mollie Bolin Maxwell. Tavie was a lifelong resident of Batesville, Ark. and an active member of the First Free Will Baptist Church. She retired at age 76 from Nu-Way Cleaners where she had been employed for over 30 years. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, two brothers, Buster Maxwell and Flynn Maxwell, seven sisters, Nobie Smart, Mollie Richardson, Callie Maxwell, Pauline Maxwell, Jewel Smart, Elzie Smart and Dee Rounds. Tavie is survived by one son Charles Flynn Allen, and his wife, V. Anne Hart Allen, of Little Rock; one grandson, Charles F. "Chuck" Allen II, and one granddaughter, Amanda S. Allen, both of Fort Smith; one step-grandson, Jonathan Weems, of Memphis; numerous nieces and nephews; and a special nephew, Billy Max Richardson, with whom she resided for several years. The family wishes to thank the nurses and staff at Rolling Hills Nursing Center in Batesville and the Searcy Healthcare Center for their love and care for Tavie. Family visitation will be Sunday, Jan. 20 from 5-7 p.m., and the celebration of life service will be Monday, Jan. 21, at 10 a.m., both at Roller-Crouch Chapel in Batesville, with Rev. Nancy McSpadden officiating. Pallbearers will be Jim Richardson, John Richardson, Frankie Allen, James R. Leonard, Jerry Maxwell, and Lonnie Maxwell. Interment will be at Mack's Chapel Cemetery in Sulphur Rock, Ark. The family requests, that in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Allen Endowed Scholarship c/o UAF College Education Health Professions, Attn. Jamie Banks, 303 Graduate Education Building, Fayetteville, Ark. 72701 or to the Allen Endowed Scholarship at Lyon College, Attn. Gina Garrett, 2300 Highland Road, Batesville, Ark. 72501. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.