Mary Elizabeth “Betty” Allen was born on February 6, 1931 in Norfolk, Virginia. She spent her childhood years in Norfolk, the middle of three children including an older and younger brother. She met her husband Jim while he was in seminary school and she was pursuing a degree in Christian music and education. After a short courtship they married and eventually settled in North Carolina where she and Jim raised five children, Jim Jr., John, Mary Beth Carter, Martha Overman and Charles. Betty is an accomplished pianist and in her early years often played concerts and recitals and later lent her talents to local churches. She shared her love of music and spent decades teaching many children how to play the piano. As her video story indicates at age 93 she still is the consummate musician.
