Sophia Allcott

Sophia Franches Allcott, 87, of Cookeville (formerly of Salt Lake City, Utah) passed away July 2, 2018. The daughter of Greek immigrants, she was born in Tooele, Utah, on June 13, 1931. After graduating from Tooele High School, Sophia worked at the phone company as a switchboard operator in Salt Lake City. In 1958 she met and married John Allcott, to whom she was married for 30 years. They raised a family of four children, and lived in various parts of the country, finally settling in Moline, Illinois. A devoted mother, Sophia was happiest giving to others and taught her children to do the same. In the 1970s, working with her local United Methodist Church, she coordinated the relocation of an immigrant Vietnamese family to Illinois; her charity and empathy ensured that they were able to establish a life and livelihood in America, and secure the future of their children. Later in life, when she relocated to Salt Lake City, she became a shift manager at the Ronald McDonald House. She was beloved by the families who stayed there, many of whom stayed in touch for many years. In 2014, she moved to Cookeville to be near her youngest son's family and resided at Cedar Hills Senior Living. Sophia loved live classical music and was an ardent supporter of the Bryan Symphony Orchestra, attending performances frequently. She grew up speaking Greek and English, loved Greek food and dancing, and was proud to have traveled to Greece as an adult where she met several cousins for the first time. She shared her heritage with her family through song and dance, and in the kitchen. Baptized in the Greek Orthodox church, later in life she worshipped with her family in the United Methodist Church and where she particularly enjoyed friendships at Christ United Methodist Church in Salt Lake City, Utah. She is survived by her children; Lisa, Michael (Sergey Moskovtsev), Philip (Regina), and Daniel (Susan Capron), her grand-children: Carter, Jacqueline, Daria, and Sophia, and her sister Stella Franches. She was preceded in death by her parents, Nicholas and Gianoula Franches; and her sisters Bessie Kulias, Helen Douvris, Toula Costa, Mary Cotsifas, Virginia Franches, and Tessie Cox. The family will hold a private service. Memorial gifts may be made in her name to the Bryan Symphony Orchestra (123 W Broad St #4, Cookeville, TN 38501) or to Ronald McDonald House Charities. Hooper-Huddleston & Horner is in charge of arrangements. (931)526-6111 You may share your thoughts and memories at www.hhhfunerals.com.