ALLYSON PUCKETT

**Allyson Puckett: A Life of Love, Kindness, and Service** Allyson Puckett of Tallahassee, FL, born on December 30, 1960, in New Orleans, LA, passed away suddenly and too soon on July 10, 2024. Her vibrant spirit and caring nature left an indelible mark on all who knew her. Allyson grew up in Winter Haven, Florida, and was a loving and caring friend to all who knew her. She pursued her passion for liberal arts at Converse College, where she earned her degree in economics and French. Allyson enriched her education with study-abroad experiences in Spain and Southern France, deepening her lifelong love of travel, culture and new experiences. She went on to earn her JD from Florida State University, spending her professional life in Tallahassee. She held numerous management roles with the Florida Department of Financial Services for over thirty years, where she was a treasured leader and made a lasting impact on her co-workers and the community. Allyson's love for music was profound; she was trained in classical piano and found great joy in attending concerts with her sister and close friends. For many years, she played the steel drums with two Leon High School Community Bands and contributed her musical talents on the steel pans and bells at Trinity United Methodist Church. Allyson’s commitment to education and literacy was unwavering. She spent many years faithfully tutoring adults with Literacy Volunteers of Leon County, helping countless individuals achieve their dreams. She was an avid reader and a passionate advocate for public libraries, with a particular fondness for mysteries and children’s literature. Known for her incredible attention to the needs and interests of others, Allyson was always there with a text, a thoughtful Snoopy birthday card, homemade fudge, or a Chick-Fil-A breakfast for her team at work. She embraced her friends and colleagues as family, forming bonds that lasted a lifetime. Allyson's fun-loving personality shone brightly during “game nights”, where she would stay up late playing Telefunken, building Lego masterpieces, or working on 1000-piece puzzles. She could be seen regularly walking in her neighborhood, and faithfully joined friends in the annual Jingle Bell Run. Her collection of Converse low-rise sneakers in every color of the rainbow provided a peek into to her vibrant and colorful spirit. Predeceased by her parents, John and Mary Carolyn Puckett, Allyson is survived by her step-mother, Barbara Puckett; her sister, Amye Bailey; her brother and sister-in-law, J. and Beth Puckett; nine nieces and nephews; and countless loving friends who were like family to her. A celebration of Allyson’s life service will be held at 1:00 PM on October 26th in the sanctuary at Trinity United Methodist Church in Tallahassee, FL, with the reception to follow there at Moore Hall. in honor of her joyful spirit, attendees are encouraged to wear colorful Converse sneakers. It would surely bring a smile to Allyson's face. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Friends of the Leroy Collins Leon County Public Library at their website (https://cms.leoncountyfl.gov/friendsofthelibrary/Membership/Making-a-Donation-or-Giving-a-Gift) or at 200 W Park Avenue, Tallahassee, Florida 32301. Allyson Puckett’s gentle spirit and legacy of love, kindness, and service will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten. The family is being cared for by Jackie Fulford and James Sircy of Young Fulford Funeral Home and Crematory, Tallahassee, Florida. 850.610.4444 YoungFulford.com

ALLYSON PUCKETT

December 30, 1960 - July 10, 2024