Cathryn Hoover Allen's Obituary
Cathryn “Cathy” Hoover Allen, 77, of Lakeland, Tennessee, entered the presence of her Lord and Savior on November 14, 2025. Born December 12, 1947, in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, she grew up in Memphis and later made her home in Lakeland with her husband, Joe. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles Winston Hoover, Jr., and Deverlon Clayton Hoover, and her brother, Charles “Wink” Hoover III.
Cathy graduated from St. Mary’s Episcopal School and spent her early career in banking, as a Delta Air Lines flight attendant, and working alongside her father in his business. After joining Bellevue Baptist Church, she began serving at Love Worth Finding Ministries, where she retired as Chief Operating Officer in 2018. Her leadership, integrity, and gracious spirit were widely respected across the ministry and the Christian broadcasting community.
She served on several boards, including Life Choices of Memphis, Love Worth Finding Ministries, National Religious Broadcasters, where she also served on the Executive Committee, and St. Mary’s Episcopal School Board of Trustees. Cathy was also a faithful volunteer through Bellevue’s Women’s Ministry and the Mid-South Mission of Mercy.
Her faith defined her life. Saved in 1994, she grew deeply in her walk with the Lord and was known for her early-morning devotion, love for Scripture, and quiet strength. She lived with integrity, compassion, discernment, and kindness—an encourager whose smile made others feel at ease.
Cathy and Joe were married for 41 years, sharing a life of devotion, travel, ministry, and joy. She loved reading, studying the Bible, traveling, and her beloved miniature schnauzer, Cocoa.
She is survived by her husband, Joe Allen; her niece, Robin Hoover Sandberg; her nephew, Charles Winston Hoover IV (Christian); and her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Joan and Larry Kinn. She will be deeply missed by her family, church, and many friends.
The “Celebration of Life” service for Cathy will be on December 4th at 2:00 in the Chapel at Bellevue Baptist Church. Visitation is from 12:30-2:00.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Love Worth Finding Ministries (https://lwf.org) or the National Alzheimer’s Foundation (https://alz.org).
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