It is with great sadness that the family of Tawana Nivens Wilson Allen announces her passing on December 13, 2022, at the age of 72, after a long battle with heart disease.

A lifelong resident of the Charlotte-area, Tawana was born December 16,1949 to the late Jehu and Ruby Nivens. She grew up in Catawba Presbyterian Church and later became a member of the Unitarian Universalist Community of Charlotte. A proud descendant of Historic Rosedale, she attended Torrence Lytle School in Pottstown (Huntersville). Tawana was an early trailblazer and a member of the first fully desegregated class to graduate from North Mecklenburg High School.

Continuing her education and leadership, Tawana attended North Carolina Central University where she was an esteemed flutist with the NCCU Sound Machine Marching Band as well as the concert band. As "Lady Poise", she crossed at the Alpha Lambda Chapter of the illustrious Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Her graceful, outgoing personality was always evident, with her class awarding her freshman homecoming queen. She earned her degree in Sociology from NCCU, continued her education with a Masters in Urban Administration from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and graduated from The Campaign School at Yale University.

Tawana was well known for her loving nature, striking beauty, and dedication to her community as a political organizer and activist. She attracted local modeling engagements, despite her short stature. She was also an animal lover, always happy to be surrounded by them. Tawana was a grassroots leader who strongly believed in the power of mobilization and voting to improve the outcomes and lives of African Americans, women, and disadvantaged communities, becoming instrumental with Focus on Leadership and Mecklenburg Voter Coalition non-profit organizations. She served on numerous boards, campaigns and commissions throughout the years, including Charlotte Sister Cities, the City of Charlotte Planning Commission and Grandfather Home for Children Board of Directors. She retired from the Federal Government after 22-years of service as a Congressional Liaison with the Office of US Congressman Melvin Watt, 12th District North Carolina. Following retirement, she remained active in her community as a campaign consultant, leadership development facilitator and mentor.

An amazing mother and grandmother, Tawana instilled her love of music, art, good food, and culture in her children and grandchildren. She showed her love, especially during the holidays, by feeding those around her and making magical memories. She adored celebrating any and all occasions with a flair.

Tawana was preceded in death by her younger brother, Hiowana Nivens. She was formerly married to the late Bruce Wilson, Sr., and to this union one son was born, Bruce "B.J." Wilson, Jr. (deceased). Tawana later reconnected with and married her college sweetheart, Emmanuel Allen, Jr. and his daughter, Niki Allen, of Raleigh. To this union a daughter was born, Tamia Allen (Deric Williams) of Charlotte. Tawana relished her role as Gramí (a contemporary grandmother; "do not forget the accent above the 'i'", she would exclaim) to Taylor, Isis, Carter, Cayla, Cayden, Tessa, Teigan and Thalia.

She leaves behind a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, friends and colleagues. Tawana will be forever loved.

No flowers, please. To honor Tawana's memory, contributions to the NCCU band scholarship fund may be sent online to: https://www.nccu.edu/institutional-advancement/giving-online (select Band Scholarship from the dropdown menu and input "Tribute to Tawana Wilson Allen" in the Comments field), or make checks payable to NCCU Foundation with memo line, "Band Scholarship – Tawana Wilson Allen Tribute", and mail to:

NCCU Division of Institutional Advancement

PO Box 19363

Durham, NC 27707

A viewing will take place from 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM on January 6, 2023, at Grier Funeral Service of Charlotte, 115 John McCarroll Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28216.

A celebration of Tawana's life and cultural event will be held on January 7, 2023, at the Unitarian Universalist Community of Charlotte, 234 N. Sharon Amity Road, Charlotte, NC 28211:

10:00 AM Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Omega Omega Ceremony

10:30 AM Visitation

11:00 AM Service

Masks are encouraged.

The service will also be live-streamed. (select Watch Video below).

https://youtu.be/9meApZDZ-64

To share a memory of Tawana or send a condolence to her family please visit the guestbook on https://www.grierfuneralservice.com/obituary/tawana-wilson-allen.