Eloise Allen

The Lady and Our Queen

Eloise was born in Birmingham, Alabama, on February 7, 1941, to the late Anderson and Louise Hodrick (née Daniels). Eloise was the third eldest of nine siblings. Eloise, along with her parents and siblings, relocated to Cincinnati, Ohio, at a young age. She was raised in the Catholic faith, where she was baptized at an early age. Eloise attended and graduated from Cincinnati Public Schools. Sometime after high school, she found the love of her life, the late Deacon Amos Allen, and to that union they had four children: Dwayne, Grundi, and their twins Manuel and Samuel. Eloise and the late Deacon Amos, along with their children, attended New Prospect Baptist Church for many years.

While raising her children, she attended Bethesda Oak Nursing School at a time when Black women were not allowed to attend, yet she persevered and earned a Nursing Degree. Eloise then began her nursing career at Bethesda Oak Hospital. Eloise and Amos’ love story is unique; during life’s challenges, they separated, and Eloise began attending New Friendship Baptist Church, where she was baptized for the second time under the pastoral leadership of Pastor Dr. H. L. Harvey Jr. Under Pastor Harvey’s leadership, Eloise and her sister in Christ and next-door neighbor, the late Bessie Allen (no relation), worked side by side serving at New Friendship Baptist Church for several years.

Eloise and the love of her life made history, overcoming challenges and remarrying. “He who finds a wife finds a good thing,” officiated by Pastor Damon Lynch III. Eloise left New Friendship and returned to New Prospect, where she was a faithful and active member until her illness. Eloise was a world class traveler and a part of the Red Hat Lady Association.  Eloise had a caring soul; along with her service at Bethesda Oak, she found a passion caring for sickle cell patients, with whom she found her deepest connection and lovingly called her daughters. Eloise retired from Bethesda Oak Hospital after 36 years of service. Her work in the field of caring did not stop—she later continued her calling through the “Ask A Nurse” hotline.

The Missionary Worker

Faith, Hope, and Charity. The gift of faith we’ll use the most to steer our ship to the shore, and hope will make it possible to open any door. “Of all the gifts you’ll find,” God said, “the best is charity, for when you’re serving others, you show your love for Me.”

Onward Christian Soldier

As a chosen vessel, Eloise was a change agent in her home, community, church, city, and on her job. Through her prayer life, she learned to excel spiritually. She was a strong and faithful Christian woman, holding many titles at New Prospect such as past Missionary and Deaconess President, Office Worker, Nursery Worker, Sunday School Teacher, Vacation Bible School Teacher and past Chairperson for Pastor Lynch’s Church Anniversary.

Eloise’s missionary work did not stop at New Prospect Baptist Church; she took it worldwide as God’s humble servant. “In service to the divine, a purpose unfolds—a life devoted, where sacred stories are told. Serving God with hands that share and heal, in every act a deeper truth to feel. A vessel of love, pouring kindness like rain, a life well lived not for loss or gain. In the tapestry of service, threads intertwined, a symphony of purpose—heart and mind aligned.”

Eloise was the past President of the Cincinnati Missionary Baptist District Association Women’s Auxiliary from 2002 -2006.  In addition, Eliose was the past Deaconess President of the Cincinnati Missionary Baptist District Association, The Ohio Baptist State Convention, Inc. and the National Baptist Convention, USA, INC.  During her time in service Eloise worked up under the leadership of Dr. Rosa B. Cooper from 2001–2004 and then Dr. Hugh Gatewood for twelve years (until 2017), Past Presidents of the Women’s Auxiliary for the National Baptist Convention.

Eloise enjoyed being the Women’s Auxiliary Chair for the National Baptist Convention, USA, INC held here in Cincinnati, Ohio in 2017.

Keeping Hope Alive

Eloise continued her work in the early years by working as a Ambassador for the City of Cincinnati, welcoming out of town visitors. She was a Campaign worker with Operation Push during Reverend Jessie Jackson first presidential run hosted by Dr. H.L. Harvey Jr. at the New Friendship Baptist Church Campaign Headquarters. When our current County Commissioner Alicia Reece began her political career, Eloise was right there on the front line doing whatever she could to help her succeed. Eloise was someone Alicia could count on. She worked on the Banquet Committee for the late boxer, Aaron Pryor, during his early boxing career at New Friendship Baptist Church.

Eloise did a lot!

Well Done, Thy Good and Faithful Servant.

Through trials and triumphs, faith remains—a journey of service where joy sustains. For in giving to others, God’s presence we find: a life well lived, a soul deeply refined.

Preceded Eloise in her death; siblings, Rosemary Butler, Anderson Hodrick Jr., Jacqueline Branham, Gloria Ward and Pamala Hodrick; sister in laws, Hattie Anderson, Geraldine Chambers and Esther Vaughn; brother in laws; Frank Cockrell, Jim Cockrell, and Ivory Cockrel; granddaughter, Natasha Moore (Grandma’s Girl); special nephew/son, Michael Hodrick.

Eloise leaves to cherish her memories, her children; Dwayne, Dr. Grundi, Manuel and Samuel (Tracy) Allen; grandson, Robert (Felicia), Brandon (Roxanne), Jamel Allen and Vance Forte; great grandsons, Nicholas Moore, Aarron Allen, Brandon Allen Jr. and Keivan Brown; granddaughters, Donesia, Samiya, Erin Allen and Aeril Barton; great granddaughters, Kennedy Moore, Kalia, Bri’elle, Braelynn Allen; sister, Dianne Spaulding; brother, Andre (Sonya) Hodrick; traveling sisters, Yvonne Rucker, Willie B. Estell, Thelma Gordan, Jessie Broach and Eugunia Ware; her forever  family Lula, Curtis, Terry, Curt and Aaron Fairbanks and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

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