In Loving Memory of a Beloved

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Life’s Journey

Roy L. Owens, Sr. was born on May 28, 1932, in Spanish Camp, TX. He was the fourth of seven children born to the late George & Mariah Owens. Three brothers Walter G. Owens, Sr. (Bernice), Donald D. Owens (Doris) and Ralph G. Owens (Mattie) and one sister Marjorie Bratcher preceded him in death.

Roy Sr. attended high school at Jack Yates High School in Houston, Texas, graduating June 2, 1951. After studying at Michigan State University. Roy Sr. & his brother Donald managed the newspaper founded by their father – The Texas Messenger. Reporting on local news and providing services for the community was part of his DNA having been born to a father who was a pillar in the community affectionately referred to as “Man-Son.”  It was while he was working at the newspaper that he met the love of his life, Delores Mae Simpson, when she applied for an open secretarial position. Roy Sr. & Delores enjoyed a whirlwind love affair before they were married on June 10, 1956. To their union seven children were born – Roy II, Brian Sr., Kevin Sr., Demetra, Desireé, Deeanne and Desharon.

Family life was Roy Sr.’s joy. He taught all his children carpentry while also taking time to run races, watch homemade talent shows and play Lion & Horsie. Traveling with a family of nine proved a challenge so he and Delores purchased a Winnebago so the family could travel together and bond on long road trips. Pre-dawn Thanksgiving preparation was needed to ensure a good parking spot for the RV at the parade downtown in support of his children. Roy Sr. attended countless PTO meetings, school programs, graduations & concerts for his children & their families. Every holiday was made extra special because of his dedication to his family. He truly left a lasting legacy for many generations to come.

Even after his family began, he still found time to continue his post-secondary education at Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Master of Arts in Building Technology in 1983 & 1985, respectively. His love of learning continued into his late eighties and was only sidelined by a worldwide COVID pandemic that he survived but was forced to stop his weekly piano lessons and HVAC certification courses.

A devout Christian, Roy Sr. was a member of Epiphany Lutheran Church in Pearland, Texas. His strong faith got him through some of the toughest years of his life following the loss of his beloved wife, Delores. Roy Sr. and Delores had celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary of 60 years only one month prior to her passing on her birthday July 16, 2016. Roy Sr. was never able to duplicate her unique and beautiful personality and so remained a single widower until he departed this life surrounded by his children to become reunited with his beloved on Palm Sunday March 24, 2024.

Roy Sr. leaves to forever cherish his memory, sisters – Gennie Allen (Hank) and Margaret McClendon; sons – Roy L. Owens, II (Camilla), Brian H. Owens, Sr., Kevin G. Owens, Sr. (GiGi), daughters – Demetra Y. Terry, Desireé I. McLemore (Jeffrey), Deeanne T. Essissima (Felix) and Desharon A. Venson; 23 grandchildren – Roy III, Troy (Quay), Monique, Thomas, Justin, Brian Jr., Brianna, Aleisha, Kevin Jr., Lanetra, Lauren (William), Brandon (Darcy), Tony Jr. (Ashley), Marissa, Evan (Adilah), Nathan, Garred, Jarred, Isaiah, Andrea, AJ, Danae, Daisha; 22 great grandchildren – Thomas Jr., Summer, Skye, Cayden, Akia, Curtis Jr., Christian, Siana, Leighton, Adelyn, Eniela, Kayori (deceased), William II, Lilliana, Anthony, Scout (deceased), Sloan, Aurora, Memnon and Amina; sisters in law – Overda, Harriette, Elsie Mae and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.