Lawanda A. Allen, 72, of Mesa, Arizona, formerly of Columbia, passed away unexpectedly June 25, 2015, in London, England, while traveling in Europe with her husband and granddaughter. Lawanda was born on October 20, 1942, in Columbia, South Carolina, the eldest of four children of John Quincy and Mildred Cleveland Adams. She graduated from Dentsville High School, then graduated from beauty school and afterwards worked as a beautician for several years. In 1970, Lawanda married Hiram S. Allen III, and they are the parents of two daughters. Although she lived most of her life in South Carolina, early in their marriage they lived in Florida where she loved the ocean and beaches, but returned to Columbia, where they resided for nearly thirty more years before moving to Mesa, Arizona. No matter where Lawanda lived, she always considered herself a Southerner, and with Hiram at her side she was truly happy.

Lawanda was active in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Days Saints, and served as pianist, teacher, and in various offices in the women's Relief Society organization, and Young Women organization, including president in both. Lawanda enjoyed many things during her life, some of which were old classic movies, Elvis Presley songs, fine restaurants, decorating her home, entertaining, and traveling. She loved learning about new things and never ran out of things to read. She knew about plants and flowers, classical music, operas, places, cultures, histories; in short, she was a well-informed and appreciative citizen of the world. Above all this, however, she especially enjoyed the years of raising her daughters and granddaughter, Anastasia.

Lawanda had a special love for animals and this, along with her children's desire for pets, meant that through the years she, with her children, enjoyed dogs, cats, gerbils, turtles and fish. She even tolerated a tarantula and a boa constrictor!

Lawanda was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Lamar. Lawanda is survived by her husband, Hiram S. Allen III; and daughters Valerie Michels (Todd) of Clermont, Florida, and Briana Allen (Sharon) of Lexington, South Carolina; stepchildren Scott Allen (Kaori) of Mapleton, Utah, and Debbie Burris (Chris) of Mesa, Arizona; and fourteen sweet grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings, Alfred Adams (Kathie) of Lindon, Utah, and Eugenia Adams Sego (Ernie) of Corrales, New Mexico; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, July 7th, at 11 o'clock at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 2549 North 32nd Street, Mesa, Arizona. Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 10th, at 11 o'clock at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 2350 White Pine Road, Columbia, South Carolina, with interment following at Elmwood Cemetery, Columbia. The family will receive friends 1 hour prior to each service. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.

Thank you to all the friends and loved ones through the years who helped make Lawanda's life so rich and meaningful.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association.