Carlton (Porkey) P. Allen

Carlton Phillip Allen was born in Baltimore, Maryland to proud parents. Bertha May and the late Russell Allen Sr. welcomed him into this world on April 26, 1964. He was the seventh of eight children born to this union. He was nicknamed “Porkey” and that name stayed with him throughout his life. His beloved, baby sister, April E. Allen, preceded him in glory three years ago.

Carlton was raised in east Baltimore and attended Fairmount High School. He was trained in the construction field and worked in that capacity. His first assignment was helping to build townhomes that were located exactly across the street from his home on Central Ave. He was extremely proud of that accomplishment and often shared that experience with others. He also helped with the construction of many buildings in the downtown area. He loved working with his hands and became a craftsman in his field.

Carlton attended New Antioch Church. At one time, he was the pastor’s Armour Bearer. He sang on the choir, as well. He loved talking with his mother about God. He was known to say, “God first, family, Bella, and then friends.” Porkey was known for his friendly and cooperative spirit, his strong work ethic and his compassion for all, especially children. These were his God given gifts.

Carlton loved music, football, basketball and soccer. He enjoyed singing, swimming, and cooking on the grill. “Porkey” loved helping kids. He coached several teams in basketball and football. He also got donations from businesses and community members to sponsor cookouts for children. He often used the playground at Dr. Bernard Harris Elementary School for these events. He worked in a camp with children in the summer. Each summer, the children would go to Lake Glory which was located in the mountains of Catawisse, Pennsylvania. He taught students camping skills such as setting up tents and building fires. He taught them to hike, fish, care for animals, and to cook. He taught them how to play chess, a game that built essential thinking skills. Children were taught to work cooperatively with each other and to have compassion and care for each other. His best friend, Winston Cook, introduced him to the experience of camping.

He was a lover of animals. His favorite animals were his dogs, Shaka and Bella. They were his children. He had one of them with him constantly. He was known as the man with the dog. The community loved Porkey and Bella. They were a team.

Porkey was seen as a giver and a father figure. All of the children in the family remember that he would make sure that he took them to the “corner” store to buy ice cream or some other treat. He mentored young people. They referred to him as Mr. Porkey and Uncle Porkey. He gave respect and received respect from family, friends and the community. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Porkey is survived by his mother, Bertha May Allen; sisters Renee’ Prettlow, Karen Allen-Jackson, Jocelyn Matthews (Maurice); brothers Russell Allen Jr. (Linda), Dr. William Darryl Allen and Michael S. Allen (Sharon). Porkey leaves two aunts, Marian Evans and Carol Knight and an uncle Prince Edward Williams (Lorraine), thirty-five nieces and nephews, and a host of cousins to mourn his transition.

Porkey’s best friend since childhood, Winston Cook and his godchildren, Winston Jr. and Tyler miss and remember him with love. All will remember his famous saying, “No question!” 

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