Shelly Allen

January 15, 1963 - June 27, 2019

On the evening of Thursday, June 27, 2019, Shelly Ann (Gwillim) Allen passed away, after a long battle with lung cancer. She passed with her husband and three children by her side, peacefully, with no pain. She lived an exemplary life of leadership and of loving others. Her strength, optimism, and silliness will leave an imprint on all who knew her. Shelly grew up in the small towns of Carlinville and Johnson City, Illinois. Striving to make to most of her life at a young age, she enlisted in the United States Air Force, ultimately garnering appointment to the US Air Force Academy. While there, Shelly excelled in every aspect of cadet life, serving in various leadership capacities throughout. Here she built life-long friendships and ultimately fell in love with her husband. Shelly served the USAF for five years of active duty and fifteen years of reserve service—for which she earned the rank of Major. Shelly was blessed with three adoring children, pursued a multitude of career endeavors, and continued to be a friend to all. She loved people as they were and inspired them to be their best selves. Whenever a need arose—be it words of encouragement, a warm meal, a bed to sleep in, or otherwise—she was prepared to address it with grace. She was particularly keen to welcome into her home international students, hosting youth from Colombia, Pakistan, and China. Shelly’s love and kindness could not be intimidated, creating ripples across our country and world. She will be dearly missed, and continue to serve as an inspiration to many. She is survived by her husband, Steve, and her three children, Jake, Jessie, and John—as well as family across the country, friends across the world, and a dog and cat, both of which she deeply hated. A celebration of her life will be held on July 27, 2019, at 5:00 PM at Next Level Church in Matthews, North Carolina. Shelly's family has given the family of Lowe-Neddo Funeral Home the privilege of caring for her and for them. If you would like to make a donation to the International Cancer Advocacy Network (ICAN) in her honor, please visit https://askican.ejoinme.org/MyPages/GeneralSupport/tabid/146481/Default.aspx