HAWKINS, TX — A life defined by service, education, and compassion, Wilma Colquitt Allen has made a lasting impact on generations of students and her community. A proud alumna of Jarvis Christian University, Mrs. Allen has devoted her life to teaching, mentoring, and giving back—embodying the values of excellence and service that Jarvis seeks to instill in all its graduates.
Born in Camden, Polk County, Texas, Wilma moved with her family to Lufkin at the age of two. There, her early experiences would lay the foundation for a career in education that would span decades. A 1962 graduate of Dunbar High School, she continued her educational journey at Jarvis Christian University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. Later, she obtained her master’s degree in Elementary Education from Texas Southern University in Houston, further advancing her credentials and deepening her commitment to academic excellence.
Mrs. Allen began her career in education at Dunbar Jr. High School in Lufkin, teaching Texas History to middle school students. She later moved to Houston, where she would spend the majority of her career shaping young minds at Lewis Judd, M.E. Foster, and Eugene Field Elementary Schools. Her dedication to student learning and personal integrity in the classroom earned her national recognition. In 1998, she was listed in the 5th edition of "Who’s Who Among American Teachers", a testament to her reputation for instructional excellence and her influence on both students and colleagues.
But Mrs. Allen’s legacy extends well beyond the classroom walls. Throughout her life, she has been deeply involved in community service and civic engagement. A proud member of several prominent organizations, including the NAACP, the National Association of University Women (NAUW), the Houston and Harris County Retired Teachers Association, and the Jarvis Christian Alumni Association, Mrs. Allen has used her time, talents, and resources to uplift those around her.
Inspired by the financial support she received as a student, she has been steadfast in her mission to give back. “What you do for others will last,” she often says—believing that generosity is not measured by wealth but by the willingness to serve and support others. She has carried this belief into every aspect of her life, helping to open doors for countless young people to pursue their dreams.
Mrs. Allen also plays a vital role in her faith community. She and her husband, Frank D. Allen, whom she met at Jarvis in 1963, have been married for nearly 57 years and are active members of New Faith Church in Houston. Together, they have served not only their congregation but also the broader Houston community with a spirit of humility and compassion.
Today, as Jarvis Christian University reflects on the achievements of its alumni, Wilma Colquitt Allen stands as a shining example of the institution’s mission fulfilled. Her life’s work in education, service, and faith is a beacon to current and future generations—proof that one life, lived with purpose, can transform many.
