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Lorene was born in Paducah, Kentucky, on 17 February 1912. Her family
moved to Texas when she was just nine months old. She married Hollis
Allison on 14 November 1931 at her home. After working for many years in
other capacities, she opened her own business as an interior designer.
Through the years she received a number of awards for this work, as well
as for her service to others.
Quoting from a "Dallas Morning News" article: "Mrs. Lillian Lorene
Barnett Allison, who holds a long record of service to her church, will
be honored for her contribution to her profession .... will receive the
Altrusa Club of Dallas Mature Woman Award."
"She entered the field of interior design in 1952 after working in
the secretarial and personnel field for insurance, investment banking and
pharmaceutical businesses. In June, 1954, she opened her own firm and
the following August entered partnership with her sister, Mrs. Evelyn
Sheerin."
"The recipient is vice-president of the Texas Chapter, National
Society of Interior Designers, and was first president of the Interior
Designers Guild. She is a member of Women in Construction board and
belongs to the Illuminating Engineering Society."
"In private life, Ms. Allison is Mrs. Hollis R. Allison .... She
became a member of the East Grand Baptist Church, where her husband is a
deacon, when she was 14 years old. Mrs. Allison is associate
superintendent in charge of programs of young married people, is active
in the church drama group and for the past two years has been president
of the Adult Union. A substitute teacher in the adult department, she
has served as Sunday School department superintendent, as teacher, as
director and counselor in the intermediate and young people's departments
for 29 years, and as chairman of the interior and furnishing church camp
committee for Mount Lebanon Encampment."
"In addition, the interior designer has been adult advisor to the
Youth Council and a member of the auditorium building committee,
administration, personnel and finance and budget committees."
The Altrusa Club program for this awards dinner says that Altrusa
honors Mrs. Lorene Allison in appreciation of her courage in beginning a
new career at a mature age, with admiration for her success in building a
career and in helping others, and in recognition of her services to her
church and her community.
Sources for Lillian Lorene (BARNETT) Allison:
Lorene Allison
"Dallas Morning News", Feb. 19, 1961, Section 7, Pg. 4
Altrusa Club program, Feb. 21, 1961