Mary Owens

It was a sunny summer day on August 24, 1948 in Tiplersville, Mississippi when the beloved Mary Neomia Owens graced this earth. Mary was the 10th birth to L.B. Gibbs Sr. and Gennie L. (Blake) Gibbs. On January 27, 2021, God said “Well Done My Good and Faithful Servant”, and received Mary into His arms at the blessed age of 72 years old.
Mary completed many first in her life starting at a very young age when she was one of the first African Americans to integrate the Tippah County school system. She went on to receive an education and was hired as the first African American to work at Foodland grocery store and then landing what would be her career job at The Peoples Bank of Ripley, Mississippi where she was once again the first African American to work in the banking industry in Tippah County. Mary retired from the bank after working 36 long years.
Mary fell in love at a young age and it was Vernell Owens Sr. who captured her heart. They married on September 10, 1966 and over the span of 54 years they would parent two children and become Gran-Gran and Paw-Paw to four grandchildren.
With a heart of gold, Mary was a dedicated wife and mother. She treasured her children and embraced every moment with them but she especially enjoyed her roles as Gran-Gran. When not dotting and spoiling the grands, she enjoyed travelling, shopping and spending time with friends and family.
Mary leaves to cherish her memories: Her beloved husband of 54 years: Vernell Owens Sr.; one son: Vernell Owens Jr. of West Palm Beach, Florida; one daughter: Jaquatta (Zuanarda) Causey of Huntsville, Alabama; four grandchildren: Zavien Causey, Jaiden Causey, Joseph Causey and Zoe Causey off Huntsville, Alabama. Bonus Son: John Wilson and grandson, Cayden Wilson of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Three sisters: Liller Crum of Flint, Michigan; Wilma (Rod) Colom of Walnut, Mississippi and Catherine Gibbs of Tiplersville, Mississippi. One brother: L.B. (Dorothy) Gibbs Jr. of Memphis, Tennessee and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents: L.B. and Gennie Gibbs. Four brothers: Young Infant(first name unknown) Gibbs; Jimmy Gibbs; Elex D. Gibbs, Edward L. Gibbs and John Gibbs. Two sisters: Eva L. Gillard and Gennie Luster. One grandchild: Zuanarda Causey Jr. 

Visitation will be held Thursday, February 4, 2021 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. A private funeral service will be held on Friday, February 5, 2021. Interment will follow at the National Cemetery in Corinth, MS. 

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