Catherine Smith Allen, 87, of Palatka entered the sunset of life on Tuesday, October 19, 2010 peacefully surrounded by her family at Putnam Community Medical Center. A native of Quincy, Florida, she resided in Palatka since 1957. The daughter of Jule Sr., & Allie Catherine (Brown) Smith, she was born Saturday, June 2, 1923 and was educated in the public schools of Gadsden County, Florida. Sister Allen was a faithful member of the Palatka House of God Church for over 50 years. She was a retired homemaker whose hobbies included gardening, cooking, going to yard sales, listening to her scanner and taking care of her grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, Catherine is preceded in eternal rest by her husbands, Gus Maxwell, Sr., & Raymond Allen, Sr., daughter, Cora Mae Otto; son, Gus Maxwell Jr., brothers, Jasper Smith, Sr., Jule Smith, Jr., Wilbert Smith & Willard Smith (twin brothers); and sister, Mildred Smith.

Those who cherish her memories most includes her five daughters and three sons: Willie Mae Roberts, Lestine (Mark) Kirkland; Shirley Allen, Katrenda Yvette (James) Oxendine, all of Palatka; Johnnie Lee (Ella) Maxwell and Odell (Susie) Maxwell, both of Orlando; Floyd (Debra) Maxwell, Quincy; Janice Denise (Alex) Chance, Jacksonville; son-in-law, James Otto, Canton, Miss., 26 grandchildren; 54 great-grandchildren; 13 great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews other relatives and caring friends.

Visitation of family & friends will be 5-8 p.m. Friday, October 22 at the Chapel of Serenity. Homegoing Celebration will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, October 23 at House of God Church, 723 N. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. St., Palatka, Dr. Gilbert L. Evans, Jr., J.D., Ph.D., Pastor, is the eulogist.

Interment will be in Oak Hill East Cemetery.

The cortege will assemble 10:20 a.m. Saturday at the Allens residence, 202 Husson Avenue.