Pastor Kevin James Allen

Kevin James Allen was born on September 17, 1954, in Harlem, New York to the late James Perkins Allen and Anne Mae Palmer Allen. Kevin received Jesus Christ at an early age and was baptized and raised in church. He was surrounded by music and culture from both Harlem and also from the birthplace of his mother in New Orleans. Kevin is a third-generation musician who was introduced to the joy of music from kindergarten to high school and beyond. He continued to serve and increased his walk of faith starting at Metropolitan Baptist Church where he served in several ministry areas. The bond of love and support he received from his caring parents, family, friends and church home ignited a passion to fulfill his purpose in life. Kevin soon discovered a natural gifting and attraction to music with uplifting Praise and Worship. At Salem United Methodist Church he joined in and participated in several Youth ministries. He was taught strength in unity and love for one another. His musical career developed even further as he faithfully served as the Music Director at Bright Temple AME Church in Bronx, NY. Doors of opportunity opened as he became the Minister of Music for the Spirit of Joy Ensemble and the Inspirational Choir and also appointed as the Youth Pastor at Mother AME Church in Harlem, NY. He was well known throughout the community singing with the Modernistic Gospel Aires and the All City Choruses. Kevin was educated in the NYC Public School System in Harlem, NY, at Inwood's Jr. High School, Louis D. Brandeis High School, Leonard Davis Center of Performing Arts at City College of NY and the Mannes College of Music. Both schools played a pivotal part in the growth and development of Kevin's local and global community perspective. He was a member of the Executive Board of Local 372 since 2017 and a DC-37 Local 372 member for over forty-five years as a NYC Department of Education employee. His roles included School Safety Aide, Senior School Neighborhood Worker and Substance Abuse Prevention and Intervention Specialist Level Ill & SAPIS Chapter and Chairman of DC-37 372 Executive Board. He is also a recent graduate of the Latino Leadership Institute and the Coalition of Black Trade Unionist (CBTU), the coalition of Labor Union Women (CLUW), the Executive Board of DC-37 Disability Advisory Committee and AFSCME. Upon moving to Orange County, NY, both Kevin and Linda joined the former Christian Faith Fellowship Church now Family Church in Middletown, NY. They went on to become members of Harriman United Methodist Church and served as the Minister of Music under the leadership of Pastor Wendy Paul Paige. He later answered the call of God on his life and was ordained as a Pastor of the New York Connecticut Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church Hudson Highland Cooperative Parish (Eastern Orange County Corporate Parish, New York) serving twelve churches. Kevin is survived by his wife, Wilhemeina whom he loved dearly, and she was affectionately called Linda. Three beautiful daughters Kristen Joyiann Jamison (Alex), Kirrah Pompee (Manny) and Temeka Gibson (Donnell), one son Kareem Haynesworth Sr. (Zymia). Three granddaughters, Destiny Haynesworth, Trinity Eggleston, Kailyn Jamison and one grandson Kareem Haynesworth Jr. One great-grandson Kazimir Haynesworth. Two sisters, Taira Allen Spann and Danessa Allen. A mother-in-law, Ida Gaillard, father-in-law, the late Lesley Haynesworth, Jr., three sister-in-laws, Delores Haynesworth Bussey (Tony), Ruby Ford and Wanda J. Haynesworth. One brother-in-law, James Haynesworth. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many other beloved family members and friends. Kevin was committed to spreading the Gospel and love of Jesus Christ in high spirits with such joy, enthusiasm, passion and love for the people of God. As a spiritual leader in various capacities, mentor to troubled teens and aspiring young adults, he was a shepherd in the truest sense. He guided with wisdom, care and always remained constant in faith and unwavering service. His presence will be missed but his legacy will continue in the lives of all who were blessed and inspired by his gifts, talents and service unto the Lord. "Well done thy good and faithful servant!"

Pastor Kevin James Allen

September 17, 1954 - March 28, 2024