Marie Allison

Sylvia Marie Wilson Allison, age 98, long time resident of Jonesboro, passed quietly January 16, 2016, in her home after a long-time illness. Born March 6, 1917, in Ardmore, OK, to John W. Wilson and Hattie Mae Buchanan Wilson, she was a long-time believer in Jesus Christ and was raised Church of Christ. She later became a member of the First United Methodist Church of Jonesboro, where she attended for more than 50 years. She spent her elderly years receiving the good Word from her favorite television pastors.

Marie attended Newport public schools where she was an all-star basketball player. She was recognized as one of the six best women basketball players in the state of Arkansas, and after graduating she coached for a period of time. Her husband, Robert A. Allison, was appointed under the United States War Relocation authority to Dermott and McGee, Arkansas, known as the German and Japanese relocation camp. This is where they remained until the end of World War II when they relocated to Jonesboro, Arkansas.

Marie was a strong business woman for more than 65 years. Marie lost her husband just after they opened Allison Mobile Home Sales - one of the early pioneers of mobile home retail offices in Arkansas. Marie never had anything in mind but to continue because she loved her business and the people. She grew her mobile home empire with the help of her sons, Robert “Jerry”, John W., and son in law Robert “Bill” Nalley. Marie also passed the insurance bar and continued her husband’s business, Allison’s Real Estate and Insurance in the short term. One of Marie’s greatest successes was providing economical housing through her mobile home park to college students and newly married couples in Jonesboro.

Marie spent most of her time building the mobile home sales and parks. When she wasn’t busy with her family or business, Marie’s passions included gardening and her family. Qualities important to Marie and qualities she exuded to all include integrity, and commitment to her family and her business. The legacy she wishes to leave her family is the great gift of love - her children were her most precious gift. She will be remembered for her strong business leadership and her ability to improvise, adapt, and overcome.

Marie was preceded in death by her parents John W. Wilson and Hattie Mae Wilson, and her husband Robert A. Allison who passed on October 9, 1963. She is survived by one daughter, Jo Ann Nalley of Jonesboro; two sons, Robert “Jerry” Allison and wife Joann of Jonesboro, and John W. Allison and wife Jennifer of Conway; a sister Mary White of North Little Rock; grandchildren, Allison Nalley Fletcher (Mike) of Jonesboro; Kristen Allison Druey (David) of Fort Lauderdale, FL; Virginia Carol “Gigi” Allison Johnson of Fort Lauderdale, FL; Lance Bailey (Misty) of Clayton, NC; Ashley Nalley of Jonesboro; Robb Allison (Misty) of Jonesboro; Whitney Allison of Little Rock; and John W. Allison II of Conway; and great grandchildren, Kerick Johnson, Brittany Bailey Tuscany, Madison Fletcher, Alexandra Bailey, Alexandria “Alex” Druey, Denver Druey, Claudia Druey, Kadin Cline, Kaidin Druey, Luke Druey, Anica Allison, and Jayce Warren Allison; and her beloved dog, Angel.

Visitation will be Monday, January 18, 2016 from 12-1:30 pm in the chapel at Emerson Funeral Home. The funeral service will follow at 2 pm in the Chapel at Emerson Funeral Home. Her granddaughter, Kristin Druey will officiate services. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery of Jonesboro.

Active pallbearers include Robbie Allison, John W. Allison II, David Druey, Mike Fletcher, Kerick Johnson, Joe Justice, Steve White, Terry White, and Tim White. Honorary Pallbearers include Bill Declerk, Kris Declerk, Dr. Ray Hall, Bobby McDaniel, Danny McDaniel, Darrell Murphy, Velma Murphy, Leon Nicholson, Tony Pardew, Michael Stafford, and Jan Sloss.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Association, NEA Humane Society, and First United Methodist Church of Jonesboro.