Barbara Jean Allen (lovingly known as "BJ"), daughter of the late Rev. Dr. John W. Chapman, Sr. and the late Deaconess Margaret E. Chapman was born November 9, 1951, in Nanjemoy, MD. Her parents, whom she loved dearly, were extremely influential in her walk with the Lord. At a young age, Barbara gave her life to Christ and walked with Him ever since. She loved the Lord and wanted everyone to come to know and accept Him as their own. On November 21, 2023, Barbara transitioned to be with the Lord.

Barbara attended Charles County Public Schools and graduated from LaPlata High School in LaPlata, MD, in 1969. Barbara furthered her education by attending Charles County Community College, where she graduated with an Associate of Arts degree in Secretarial Science in 1971.

After graduation, Barbara worked for the U.S. Air Force where she stayed with her sister, Mildred Deskins, in Long Island, New York. When she moved back to Nanjemoy, Maryland, Barbara later worked at the Bank of Southern Maryland. Barbara found her life's work when she worked for the Department of Social Services in LaPlata, MD. For nearly 30 years, Barbara served the people in her community as a social worker. She helped families obtain food, housing, childcare and other resources. In 2004, Barbara retired from the Department of Social Services; she later assisted in the caring of her mother up until her passing in 2018.

Barbara attended the Little Ark Baptist Church (LABC) from her childhood until 2009. While serving at LABC, Barbara sang in the Youth for Action Choir and The Senior Choir. She also served with the New Members Club and the Children's Ministry. For a few years, Barbara was a leader in the Sunday School ministry as the Assistant Superintendent. She was also a Sunday School teacher. Barbara later joined the National Church of God in Oxon Hill, MD, where she was an active member until her passing. She enjoyed praying for her pastor and church family.

On October 5, 1974, Barbara married Clinton V. Allen at LABC. They dwelled together in Marbury, MD, for most of the 49 years of their marriage. From their union, Clinton and Barbara had two daughters, Alicia L. Peltier and Monica E. Allen. Barbara's family was very important to her. She loved hard and tried to do her very best to show them the right way to do things.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents and her godparents, Charlie (Pop Charlie) and Rosie (Ma Rosie) Robb; parents-in-law, James Allen and Etta Allen; grandmothers, Rosie Lee Chapman and Sarah Frances Lewis; grandfather, Carroll Franklin Lewis; nephews, Tony Lee and Jonathan Chapman; and nephew-in-law, Tony DaCosta.

Barbara is survived by her husband, Clinton; children, Alicia (Brian, whom she loved as her own son) and Monica; grandchildren, Noah A. Peltier, Olivia J.C. Peltier, and Morgan N. Allen; siblings, Mildred Deskins, Joan Champ (William), John W. Chapman, Jr. (Blanche), Rosie Lee Evans (Benjamin), Laura Chapman Haggins, Charles Chapman, Micah Chapman and Veronica Moran; brother-in-laws James L. Allen (Karen) and Wendell K. Allen; sister-in-law Barbara Spriggs (Kevin); aunts Adelaide Agee, Lucille Stalling and Harolyn Smith (Roland); godsons, Karl Haggins and Larry Robinson; goddaughter, Melissa Robinson, a special nephew, Sean P. Moran, a special cousin, Leona Jackson, special friends Sussie Lee, Larriette Neal, and Mary Freeman, and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, great -nieces and -nephews, family and friends.

Barbara will always be remembered for her love of God, her daughters, grandchildren, family, and friends. She was especially proud of her grandchildren, who were very special to her. When praying every morning, she would mention her family and friends, calling each one by name before the Lord. Barbara was such a blessing to those who knew and loved her. She will be missed every day. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved her.

Friends may visit with the family Saturday, December 2nd from 2:00 p.m. until time of Celebration of Life from 4:00-4:30 p.m. in The Chapel of Thornton Funeral Home, 3439 Livingston Road Indian Head, MD 20640. Interment will be held at a later date at Maryland Veterans Cemetery, Cheltenham, MD.

On Saturday, December 2nd at 4:00 pm, please click on the link below to live stream the service.

Please make sure when viewing the services that the volume located in the right lower corner (where it says "live") on the viewing screen is turned up (the bars should be blue).

The streaming will begin after the final family viewing.  Therefore, there may be a delay before the service appears on the screen. Thank you.

https://www.thorntonfuneralhomepa.com/live-stream