Obituary of Jacqueline S. Allen

Jacqueline S. Allen passed away peacefully at her home in Aiken, South Carolina on March 24, 2023 with David, her loving husband of 58 years at her side.  Jacquie was born on January 9, 1943 to the late Richard and Helen Shear.  She grew up in Wellsville NY, where she not only excelled in the theater arts, but also developed an early interest in riding.  She received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Northwestern University in 1964, where she was a member of the Alpha Phi Sorority.  Jacquie and Dave met at Northwestern and were married in 1965.  After graduation, she taught English in secondary schools in New York, Arizona and Michigan, and retired from Benton Harbor, MI schools in 1982. 

While in Michigan, Jacquie proudly developed her horse business to professionally train and show Tennessee Walking Horses at their Saddle Tree Farm in Coloma, MI.  There she re-established her teaching career, but this time in the equine arena.  Jacquie established a formidable name for Saddle Tree Farm, which became a regionally recognized venue to nurture the goals of many prospective walking horse enthusiasts.  Jacquie became highly regarded in the field, both as a trainer and judge with the National Walking Horse Association. 

Jacquie and Dave moved to Aiken in 2007, and they both worked hard to re-locate Saddle Tree on an undeveloped expanse of property on Banks Mill Road, where Jacquie continued her passion of riding instruction and training prospective show horses.  When not giving lessons or managing the property, Jacquie enjoyed reading and re-establishing connections with former students and clients.  Jacquie’s personality was renowned as one of a kind and she would “bubble over the brim” whenever she recognized a twinkle of humor or intelligent question coming her way.

Jacquie is survived by her husband, David; son, Richard (Julie) and four grandchildren, Morgan, Andrew, Kate and Lucy; her twin sister, Jan Davenport (Clay) and her brother, Richard Shear (Gwyn).

The family will receive friends Thursday evening March 30, 2023, from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at George Funeral Home, 211 Park Avenue, Aiken, SC.   

The funeral will be held on Friday, March 31, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. in the George Funeral Chapel.  Father Joseph Whitehurst, St. Thaddeus Episcopal Church, will officiate.  Following the service there will be a reception in the funeral home parlor.  Interment will be at a later date in Woodlawn Cemetery, Wellsville, NY. 

Memorial contributions may be directed to The Albrecht SPCA Center for Animal Welfare, 199 Willow Run Road, Aiken,  SC  29801.

The Historic George Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 211 Park Ave., SW, Aiken, SC 29801 (803.649.6234), has charge of arrangements.

Expressions of sympathy for the family may be left by visiting www.georgefuneralhomes.com