Frances “Hope” Hickman Owen, 87, passed away after a battle with extended illness on Friday, October 18, 2024, at the North Mississippi Medical Center. Frances graduated from Tupelo High School in 1956 and married the love of her life, the late Charles Sidney Owen, in 1958, sharing 48 years with him. Her professional career was spent working as a secretary for various companies. She was a faithful member of Lee Acres Church of Christ in Tupelo until her health declined. Those who knew her would say she loved deeply and will be remembered for her caring nature, remarkable creativity and the strong sense of self she carried throughout her life. She was an author, self-taught pianist, artist, seamstress and amateur architect, always looking forward to her next creative project. She felt that one of her greatest accomplishments was publishing her book, Doshia’s Valley. Above all, she was happiest while spending time with her family, creating cherished memories.
She is survived by her two daughters, Molly Owen Woodruff (Hilry) and Elizabeth “Beth” Owen Kelly (Jeff), both of Tupelo; her two granddaughters, Megan Woodruff Prather (John) and Sidney Kelly; her great-grandchildren, Austin and Owen Prather; her brothers, Otis “Kermit” Hickman, Ronny Hickman; and her sisters, Diane Hickman Willis and Hilda Rose Hickman.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Sidney Owen; her parents, James Arthur Hickman and Mary Jewel Brock Hickman; and her siblings Jane Hickman Swann, Jerry Hickman, David Hickman, and baby Nelta Hickman.
Visitation will be on Thursday from 5:30 until 7:30 p.m. at Pegues Funeral Home in Tupelo. Graveside services will be held on Friday morning at 10:30 a.m. at Lee Memorial Park in Verona. Messages will be delivered by Tracey Burcham and Brother Jerry Grammer.
Pallbearers will be Brian Hickman, Greg Swann, Mitch Willis, Jeff Whitehead, John Prather, and Jimmy Burcham.
Honorary pallbearers will be Archie “Nelson” Owen, Kelly Moses, Bob Buse, Jack Swann, Jr. and Bart Hickman.
Memorials in lieu of flowers may be made to Sanctuary Hospice House, 5159 W Main St., Tupelo, MS 38801.
