Allison Michelle Young

Allison Michelle Young, born February 13, 1978, in Concord, North Carolina, passed away on October 15, 2026, following a brief illness, surrounded by her loving family.

Allison made her home in Kannapolis, North Carolina, on what her family lovingly knew as the "Young compound," surrounded by the people she loved most. Her life was deeply rooted in family, and being close to those she loved was an important part of the home and life she built.

Allison was the beloved daughter of Michael Dale Young and Cathy Hatley Young. She was the cherished sister of Kevin Lee Young and Meagan Gibson Young, and a deeply devoted aunt to Keegan Lee Young, who was truly the apple of her eye and held an especially precious place in her heart.

She was also the loving granddaughter of Frances Scott Hatley and the beloved niece of Tony Hatley. Allison was blessed with a large extended family and was dearly loved by her many aunts, uncles, cousins, great-aunts, great-uncles, and other family members whose lives were made richer by knowing and loving her.

Allison was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Dewey Thomas Young Jr. and Mary Miller Young, and her maternal grandfather, Billy Ray Hatley.

To know Allison was to know someone who loved hard. When she loved you, she loved you completely, faithfully, and without hesitation. Her family meant everything to her, and she carried a constant concern for the people she loved most.

Anytime her mom, dad, Kevin, or Meagan went somewhere, there was one thing Allison expected: they had better let her know when

they arrived safely. If they forgot, the phone calls and text messages would begin, usually followed by a steady stream of question marks until someone finally answered. Her family would laugh and joke that if they did not respond quickly enough, Allison was going to send someone out for a welfare check.

It became one of those familiar things everyone came to expect from her, but underneath the humor was something much deeper. Allison worried because she loved so fiercely. She always wanted to know her family was safe, because the thought of something happening to one of them was almost more than her heart could bear. That protective, watchful love was simply part of who she was.

Allison also had some unmistakable quirks that made her completely unforgettable. It did not matter how cold it was outside - Allison was probably hot. She could be walking outside in the middle of winter, even with snow on the ground, wearing shorts and flip-flops and still sweating. If she walked into someone's house and it was even remotely warm, chances were the fan was going straight to high.

And if her trusted handheld fan was not already in her hand - the one she seemed to take absolutely everywhere with her - she would find the next best thing. A piece of mail, a paper plate, an envelope, or whatever was within reach quickly became a makeshift fan. Her family could not help but laugh, because that was simply Allison: always hot, always fanning, and always finding a way to cool herself down.

Those little habits became part of the rhythm of family life. They are the kinds of memories that bring tears now but will also bring smiles for years to come.

Her family meant everything to her, but anyone who knew Allison also knew that some of the greatest pieces of her heart belonged to animals. It did not matter what kind of animal it was, how much trouble it caused, or what it might take to help it - if there was an animal that needed saving, Allison was going to do everything in her power to try. Her compassion for animals was simply part of who she

was.

Allison had a way of making even the simplest words unmistakably her own. Her familiar goodbye, "Bye, love ya, see ya later," was said so quickly and in such a distinctly Allison way that those who knew her understood it instantly, while anyone else might have needed a translation. It is one of the many little things her family will forever hear in their hearts.

One of Allison's greatest sources of laughter and joy was Keegan.

His silly antics could bring out a smile no matter what kind of day she was having. Singing, dancing, joking, or just being Keegan was usually enough to make her laugh.

They also had their own special traditions, including their beloved "driveway picnics." Allison and Keegan would pack a picnic basket with all of their favorite things, head outside, and sit together in the driveway for their own private picnic. No one else was invited - it was just Keegan and Aunt Allie. Those simple, special moments became some of the most treasured memories they shared and perfectly reflected the unique bond between them.

Allison worked for many years in data entry and was exceptionally talented at what she did. She could type nearly as fast as she could talk - which was saying something, because keeping up with her words sometimes felt like a skill all its own. Her quick mind, strong work ethic, and ability to get things done were just a few of the many things people admired about her.

More than anything, Allison had a servant's heart. She loved Jesus, loved people, and had a genuine desire to care for those around her. She was the kind of person who showed her love not only through words, but through presence. She helped care for her aging grandparents in their final days and gave them something she deeply believed mattered more than anything money could buy: her time.

Allison would often say, "I may not can buy anything, but I can give you time," and she meant it. She gave her time freely - to family, to those who needed help, to animals that needed care, and to the people she loved. That generosity of spirit is one of the greatest legacies she leaves behind.

Some of her happiest memories were made gathered around a table playing cards with her Mawmaw and Papa and with Mawmaw and Pawpaw Hatley. Those games brought laughter, stories, competition, and occasionally a glimpse of Allison's famous red-headed temper - especially when Papa decided the rules were merely suggestions and did a little cheating.

Those are the kinds of memories her family will carry forever: ordinary moments that became extraordinary simply because they were shared together.

Allison will be remembered for the way she loved, the way she served, the way she made people laugh, her devotion to family, her tender heart for animals, and the faith that shaped the way she lived. Her life was a reminder that love is often found in the simplest things: showing up, giving your time, caring for someone in need, laughing around a kitchen table, saving one more animal, checking to make sure everyone made it home safely, turning the fan on high, grabbing whatever was nearby to fan herself, packing a picnic basket for a special driveway picnic with Keegan, and never leaving without saying, "Bye, love ya, see ya later."

Her absence leaves a space that cannot be filled, but the love she gave so freely will continue to live on in every life she touched.

e family will receive friends on Monday, October 19, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Wilkinson Funeral Home in Concord.

A funeral service celebrating Allison's life will be held on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at New Hope Lutheran Church in Kannapolis. Burial will immediately follow the service at West Lawn Cemetery in China Grove.

Those who knew Allison knew that dressing up was never really her style. In keeping with who she was, the family warmly invites everyone attending to come in comfortable, casual attire. Allison's favorite colors were blue and purple, and anyone who would like to honor her by wearing either color is encouraged to do so.

Above all, please come as you are - just as Allison would have wanted - and help us remember, celebrate, and give thanks for a life that was so deeply loved.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Allison's honor to Faithful Friends Animal Sanctuary, 220 Grace Church Road, Salisbury, NC 28147.