Willie Mae Owens, 96, of Warren, passed away January 2, 2023. Born August 1, 1926, she was a daughter of the late Charlie and Willie Rogers. She moved to Oakland, CA. in 1960. She relocated to Kansas City, KS in 1982, after being transferred by General Motors. She happily retired in 1985, after 18 years of service. She moved back to Arkansas in 2014.
Willie enjoyed playing cards, going to the casino and spending time with her family and friends. She was the staple to her family for many years, preparing not only Sunday and holiday meals but would often have her huge family over throughout the week for a Sunday dinner on Tuesday. Her grandchildren were the light of her life. She was known for preparing soul food dinners for her elementary age grandchildren at their request. Family meant everything to her, the older grandchildren often came over just to hang out with her, listening to blues, having some great conversation and of course eating good food.
She was also preceded in death by her siblings, Stella McIntosh, Helen Butler, Freddy Everett, Johnnie Mae Harris, Richard Rogers, Charlie Rogers Jr., Louis Rogers; husband, Vernell Owens; children, Doris Owens, Drewsey Greer, Dean Owens, Ronnie Owens, James Owens; brother-in-law, Slater; grandson, Anthony Conner.
She is survived by her children, Faye Owens of Warren, Barbara Cason (Don), Sharon Washington (Obie) both of Kansas City, KS, Anthony Owens, Larnell Owens both of Kansas City, MO; siblings, Shirley Ann Patton (Charles) of Warren, Henry Lee Rogers (Louise) of Chicago, IL.; in-laws, Janette Singleton, AnnieJean Ellis, Johnnie Mae Willis, Jerome Owens, Danny Owens Jr., JoPaul Owens, Ralph Owens; Godchildren, Ruthie Utsey, Doris Ann Hickman, Johnathan Utsey; a host of grand babies, great grand babies, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Funeral service was January 14 at St. James AME Church in Warren with Presiding Elder James R Hooper officiating. Burial in Antioch Cemetery in Johnsville. Arrangements by Hammons Funeral Home.
