A native of Wake County, she was the daughter of the late Parker R. Allen and Ora Green Allen. She was a member of New Hope Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband Arthur M. Gresham and her son, Shirley M. Gresham.

Survivors include two daughters, Marie G. Meachum and Julia G. Hicks and husband Bobby all of Raleigh; 12 grandchildren; and 26 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Monday afternoon in the L. Harold Poole Funeral Service chapel with Dr. JoAnn Stancil officiating. Burial followed in Raleigh Memorial Park.