Cortland Wilson Allen was the loving son of Dorrine Wilson and Richard Atkinson, born on December 1, 1963, in Youngstown, Ohio. He attended St. Patrick Elementary School and went on to graduate from Cardinal Mooney High School. Immediately following graduation, he dedicated his life to his country and served nine years in the United States Air Force as an Air Traffic Controller. He was stationed at Nellis Air Force Base, Okinawa, Japan, and later returned to Nellis AFB to complete his service. He was employed for 18 years with the United States Postal Service. Accepting Christ at an early age, Cortland enjoyed serving under the leadership of Dr. Robert Fowler, Senior Pastor of Victory Missionary Baptist Church. Cortland was a fun and loving individual with a zest for life. He loved to talk and could hold a conversation with anyone that would listen. He enjoyed golfing, bowling and jazz.

Cortland Wilson Allen was called home to glory Sunday, April 5, 2015. He was preceded in death by his father Earl Howard Allen, Jr. He leaves to cherish his memory, his dad Richard Atkinson and mom Dorrine Wilson; daughters, Sheleia (Cedric) Henderson, Jessica Allen, Shayla Allen and Brynn Allen; siblings, Najama Atkinson, Felecia (Eric) Frierson, Wendell Omari Atkinson, Akilah Atkinson and Jamila Atkinson; grandchildren, Ariana and Dominic Henderson; God Parents, Curtis and Darlene Carter; favorite aunt, Evelyn Jackson, with whom he shared the same birthday; favorite niece, Kiara Frierson and a host of close relatives and friends.