Elder Joe "J.W." Owens

Promise to the Saints
And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the spirit, that they may rest from their labours, and their works do follow them.
-Rev 14:13

Elder Joe “J.W.” Owens was born in Sparkman, AR on March 21, 1942, to the late Mr. and Mrs. Julius and Ida Owens. Growing up in the community of Sparkman, he attended school there and gained many close friends in his life. “J.W.”, as he was affectionately known by his friends and family, accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age and was baptized at Macedonia Baptist Church in Sparkman. He later met and married his one true love and soulmate, Rosie Jean Gannaway in the month of May 1964 and these two kindred souls grew inseparable through their love. To this union, five children were born. His greatest joy was his family and the love he had for them and Jesus Christ.

Elder Owens loved the Lord and his passion for the Church of God in Christ faith grew. It wasn’t long before God saw fit to call him into the ministry and he became ordained. His first charge was Cullendale COGIC and after that, he ministered to several other churches. His walk of faith in God led him to many different churches of different denominations, singing, preaching and praying. His love for all of these things excelled him with a mighty voice of sweet heavenly sound. For over 50 years he continued to work for the master and served his churches and community well. Early on in life, he sang in a quartet with the late Elder G.C. Nolen who was his longtime close friend. What a glorious day when these two can sing in that heavenly choir, and oh what a time, knowing that they will be walking around heaven all day.

Elder Owens was a man of many talents. He was a hard worker, laboring as a logger in Pulpwood, at the Arkadelphia Children’s Colony and lastly at EPA. His life was filled with love, joy, and gathering of family and friends. Family reunions, picnics, food, and laughter were his favorite things to share his time. There was never a dull moment with him in the house. His way of laughter and his smile would radiate and surround you, filling you with the joy of his presence. On Monday, July 17, 2017, at his home, the Lord called him to rest from his earthly journey to his heavenly home. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters and two brothers. His love and memories will forever be in the hearts of his family: his wife of 53 years, Rosie Jean Owens; 2 daughters, Willie Jean Jackson of Lafayette, CA and La’Quinta Berry (Robert) of Arkadelphia, AR; 3 sons, John Owens of Camden, AR, Nathan Owens of Conway, AR and Derick Owens of Arkadelphia, AR; 3 brothers, Arthur Owens (Cynthia) of Champaign, IL, Hezekiah Owens (Pauline)of Tulip, AR and Jessie Owens of Prescott, AR; 2 sisters, Mattie Redmond of Milwaukee, WI and Loretta Matlock of Fordyce, AR; 21 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; special friends, Elder Paul Williams, Terrance Matlock and Superintendent Robert Davis and many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.

Services are under the direction of Mitchell Funeral Home in Arkadelphia. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Friday, July 28, 2017 from 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Family and Friend hour will be at Greater Pleasant Hill Baptist Church from 6 p.m.- 7 p.m. Funeral services will be on Saturday, July 29, 2017 at Greater Pleasant Hill Baptist Church at 11 a.m. where Dr. Lewis A. Shepherd, Jr. is Pastor. Elder James Yarbrough, pastor of Powerhouse COGIC in Warren, AR, will serve as eulogist and Superintendent LeRoy Williams, pastor of Tate Temple COGIC in Arkadelphia, AR, will serve as officiant. Burial will be in Harmony Community Cemetery in Sparkman.

Family and Friends hour will be at Greater Pleasant Hill Baptist Church from 6:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m.

Burial will be at Harmony Community Cemetery in Sparkman, AR.

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