Wednesday, November 21, 2018 7:26 am

Dr. April Diane Allen, PhD., age 69 of Michigan and a former resident of Rutherford County passed away November 11, 2018.

She was born April 5, 1949 in Rutherford County and was a daughter of the late Champ Willis Allen and Bertha Giles Allen. April worked as a professor in Interior Design at Michigan State University.

April was reared in the Concord Baptist Church in Bostic and was a 1967 graduate of East Rutherford High School. Following graduation, she attended Western Carolina University and later Appalachian State University where she received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Interior Design. She began working on both her Master's degree and PhD at UNC-Greensboro, transferring to Virginia Tech where she attained both degrees all while teaching at the university. She also taught at the University of Georgia in Athens prior to moving to Michigan State.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by brother, Champ Willis Allen, Jr., and half brothers, Ronnie Willis Allen and Bobby Ray Allen.

Survivors include her son, Charles Norman "Chuck" Page II and wife Rebecca Eckerd Page of Dewitt, MI, two grandchildren, two sisters, Sherry A. Allen and husband James of Ellenboro, Penny A. Jones and husband Randy of Forest City. There are also a number of nieces and nephews, including a special niece, Allison Jones Bridges, and her faithful dog, Bailey.

Funeral services were held at the Concord Baptist Church. Interment followed in the church cemetery.

Memorials may be made to WKAR, Public TV, 404 Wilson Road, Room 212, East Lansing, MI 48824.

The Padgett & King Mortuary is serving the family.