Reynolds Funeral Home announces with deepest sympathy the passing of Mrs,. Ella Mae “Betty” Owens 82 of Hillsboro, AL. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at noon on Saturday at Westside M.B. Church with Dr. Edward Owens eulogizing and Dr. Sylvester Truss officiating. Inhumation will be in Owens Cemetery. The body will lie in repose one hour prior to service. The family will receive friends on Friday evening from 6:00pm -7:00pm at Westside M.B. Church.
Mrs. Ella Mae (Betty) Brown Owens was born December 5, 1936, in Decatur, Alabama to the late Willis Brown, Jr. and Louise Bolden Brown, the third of twelve children. Betty made her peaceful transition on Sunday, April 28, 2019 at Decatur Morgan Hospital-Decatur Campus.
Betty’s Christian journey began at an early age at Spring Hill Missionary Baptist Church and she later united with Westside Missionary Baptist Church. Betty would later join her husband’s ministry as the first lady of Bethel Colbert Missionary Baptist Church for 50 years. Over the years she served as church choir supervisor, in the missionary society, and Mother’s Board. She attended Morgan County Training School. On April 11, 1959, she married her honey, the Reverend Leo Owens.
Betty worked as a beautician for many years, at Wayne Farms for 11 years, and managed That Ribb Place for 15 years. After retiring, she enjoyed her favorite pastimes – cooking, baking, attending to her plants, gardening, shopping and traveling as well as spending time with her family.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Jesse Brown and Ralph Brown; two sisters, Lillie Pearl Scott and Ethel Lee McDonald.
Betty leaves cherished memories and an unconditional loving bond with her devoted husband, The Rev. Leo Owens of Hillsboro, AL; four sons, Arthur Scales, Jr., Murphy Brown (Crystal), Decatur, AL, Rev. Edward Owens (Claudette), Hartselle, AL, Dwight Owens (Benita), Hillsboro, AL; two daughters, Cassandra Rogers (Marvin), Cleveland, OH, Glenda Scruggs, Decatur, AL; six sisters, Florence Jones, Louisville, KY, Lucille Owens (Rev. Dr. Willie), Huntsville, AL, Laura Martin, Willodean Reedus (Kenneth), Decatur, AL, Mattie Garth (Wilbert), Dallas, TX, Delois Brown, Decatur, AL; two brothers, Fedor Brown (Evelina) and Billy Wayne Brown (Lebirda); three sisters-in-law, Lillie M. Robinson, Decatur, AL, Hazel Owens, and Betty Owens, Oakland, CA; two brothers-in-law, the Rev. John B. Owens and Oscar L. Owens, Oakland, CA. Betty was also blessed with: 14 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, a special friend, Fannie Cooper, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
Pallbearers will be Nephews and Flower Bearers will be Nieces.
