Tweetie Mae Allen

Tweetie Mae Allen was born on December 11, 1934, in Fairfield, Texas. She was the fourth of ten children born to Ilver and Superintendent Julius Hemphill. As a preacher's kid, she was raised to do as she was told. As such, according to her siblings “Tweetie did whatever her parents asked of her, without question.”

A little ball of fire, Tweetie had a clear vision for how she wanted to live her life. She refused to conform to anyone else’s expectations or ideas about who she should be or how she should live. Embracing her independent and unconventional spirit, she eventually made her way to California. Throughout the years, she worked as a caregiver and housekeeper.

In California, Tweetie met Lee Allen Jr. The two were married and they purchased a home in Compton. Together, Tweetie and Lee (“Chuck” to everyone who knew him) faced life’s challenges with strength and devotion until his passing in 1998. Tweetie had ten children and she shared a distinct bond with each one of them. Being close to each one at various times throughout their lives, she recognized a piece of herself in all of them: strength, creativity, passion, dedication, charm, intellect, observer, protector, free-spirited and yes, stubbornness. They were all there.

A woman with a wide array of interests, Tweetie will best be remembered for her fancy for playing the slot machines at the nearest casinos; her love of shopping at thrift stores and yard sales, where she could browse for hours; her enjoyment of music on old-school vinyl records, and gardening.

From the first to the last, Tweetie had a deep love for her grandchildren. It was special bond and they knew it – a love that knew no boundaries. She loved being in the know, and her grandbabies always made sure that she was. Additionally, she had a great sense of fashion. Interestingly, she became a great cook later in her life. Two of her popular dishes were oxtails and turkey meatballs, which she gladly made whenever requested.

She loved life, and life was precious to her. This was evident in the determined way she fought to squeeze every bit of life out of her fragile body. Her will to live amazed not only family and friends, but her doctors. Though people may have understood Tweetie’s desires differently, they all would agree that she was one strong, determined woman.

On June 17, 2026, Tweetie Mae Allen passed away peacefully in the presence of her children and clergy. Preceding her in death were: husband, Lee Allen Jr.; sons: Clifton Jr. and Eric; daughter, Carolyn; grandsons: Justin and Elijah; granddaughter, Shannon; parents: Ilver & Supt. Julius Hemphill; siblings: Chanie Banks, Ruby Barthley, William Hemphill, Julius Hemphill, Sena Guidry, and Albert Hemphill.

Left to cherish her memories are: sister, Lettie Marshall; brothers: Robert and Billy Hemphill; children: Darrynel, Lloyd, Norris, Patrice, Junnette, and Antoinette; a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.