So please don’t mourn for me as new wings I now claim. I can take my flight to heaven because the angels came.

Barbara Elizabeth Allen Crowner, daughter of the late Lucille and Oslar G. Allen, Sr., was born on December 20, 1951 in Annapolis, Maryland. On October 21, 2014, she answered God’s call and entered into eternal rest.

Sister, as she was affectionately known by family and friends, received her education in the Anne Arundel County Public Schools, graduating from Annapolis Senior High in the Class of 1969. Barbara was employed at the Jessup Correctional Institution (formerly Maryland House of Correction) in Jessup, Maryland from April 1999 until her health failed earlier this year.

On July 17, 1999 she was united in holy matrimony to Walter Gilbert Crowner.

Barbara was a lifetime and faithful member of Asbury Broadneck United Methodist Church where she sang on both the Inspirational and Chancel Choirs. She was also a member of the Goldie Marie Green Allen (GMGA) Reunion club where she held the position of treasurer.

Known for her melodious voice, Sister enjoyed singing gospel music, especially renditions by Mahalia Jackson. She loved attending gospel singing programs, listening to oldies but goodies, dancing, and attending social gatherings with family and friends. Once of her favorite pastimes was cooking and feeding everyone who wanted to partake in her delicious meals. Sister was a true people person and touched the lives and hearts of many people. She enjoyed caring for many children. She was often times called the “Baby Whisperer,” due to her care and nurturing of all the babies she came in contact with. She loved holding them and rocking them until they eventually went to sleep.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one sister, Jeanette Allen; and one brother, Oslar G. Allen, Jr.

Barbara leaves to cherish her loving memories to her devoted husband, of 15 years, Walter Gilbert Crowner; one loving daughter, Kne-Shall Lanman; three brothers, Gary Allen, Nelson Allen (Denise), and the Reverend John T. Smith (Laura); two adopted brothers, James E. Henson and Berman E. Henson; six sisters-in-law, Kathy Allen, Cynthia Butler (John), Sylvia Butler (Jerome), Elaine Kerrick (Izar) Evelyn Thomas (Steve) and Felicia Crowner; one brother-in-law, Lincoln Crowner; six nieces, Ashika (devoted niece), Kristen, Deandra, LaToya, LaTania, and Krystal Allen; one nephew, Oslar Allen, III; three great-nieces, Catora Henson, Chyna Coates and Gabrielle Pearmon; one great-nephew, Tristan Lindsey; three godchildren, LaVonne, Shannell, and Kia; one aunt, Evelyn Anderson; four step-children, Antonio Crowner, Sherrell Queen, Shatoyia Eldridge, and LaTeise Jones; and a host of other caring relatives and dedicated friends.

Cemetery Details
Asbury Broadneck UMC Cemetery
657 Broadneck Road
Annapolis, MD, 21409