Elvia Allman, 88; Character Actress on ‘Beverly Hillbillies,’ ‘Petticoat Junction’

Elvia Allman, a character actress best known for her television series roles as Elverna on “The Beverly Hillbillies” and Selma on “Petticoat Junction,” has died. She was 88.

Ms. Allman died March 6 in Los Angeles after a short illness, according to her longtime friend, actress Marie Windsor.

A native of North Carolina, Ms. Allman began her career on radio with recurring comedy parts on the Edgar Bergen show and the Jack Benny show.

She was the original voice of Walt Disney’s Clarabelle the cow, and did voices for the 1990 Disney animated short “The Prince and the Pauper.”

Her regular television roles also included Mrs. Glincher on “The Dick Van Dyke Show,” and Mrs. Crumcake on “The Abbott and Costello Show.” She was a frequent guest on “I Love Lucy,” “The Bob Hope Show,” and Jackie Cooper’s “The People’s Choice.”

Her films included “A WAVE, a WAC and a Marine,” “You Can’t Run Away From it,” and “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.”

During her retirement, Ms. Allman volunteered her services to Meals on Wheels, and taught English to underprivileged children.

She is survived by her son, Tom Bayler of Laguna Beach, a sister and three grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Motion Picture and TV Fund.