Mother Rosie Jean Owens

Mother Rosie Jean Gannaway Owens also affectionately known as “Dolly” was born September 16, 1947 in Banks, AR to the late Quiney Gannaway and the late Orvallett Lacerine Gannaway Turner. She departed this life on February 8, 2022 at Baptist Health Medical Center in Arkadelphia.

Mother Owens loved the Lord and accepted him into her life as her Lord and Savior. She continued to keep the Lord first in her life. She loved her church, playing the tambourine in church, and her church family.

In May 1964, she married her one true love and soulmate, J.W. Owens of Sparkman, AR. From this union two daughters and three sons were born.

She was a housekeeper at a local hotel in Arkadelphia for a short time. Being a housewife for most of her life was her life’s greatest treasure. She enjoyed spending most of her time with her family whether it was going on fishing trips with her husband, talking to her best friend Pat on the phone, or taking trips to her favorite restaurants. Rosie never had a dull moment in her life because she was always surrounded by love. Some of her favorite sayings include, “Boy, you know I can’t see”, “That’s my blind side “and the all-time favorite, “ Don’t let me get to my purse”. She was the joy and laughter in the family.

Mother Owens was preceded in death by her loving husband, the late Elder J.W. Owens, two precious granddaughters, Ai’Layah Berry and Karlynn Quarles, her parents Quiney Gannaway and Orvalette Gannaway Turner; several siblings, and a special friend sister, Annie Mae Nolen.

Mother Owens leaves to cherish in her precious memories Five children: Jean Jackson, of Lafyette, CA, John W. Owens, of Camden, AR, Nathan Owens, Derick Owens, and La’Quinta Owens all of Arkadelphia. Five siblings: Ernestine (the late Earl) Ingram; Joshua ( the late Lizzie) Gannaway, Betty (Roy) Edwards, Nettie (Bob) Davis, Glenda (the late Gary) Hines, and Earnestine (Fred) Harden; Twenty grandchildren, and Thirteen great grandchildren. A special sister-in-law, Lacy Gannaway, a special friend, Patricia Williams, a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.