Elizabeth Allen Owens

“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.” John 14:1

Elizabeth Dorothy Allen Owens, daughter of the late Robert Lee and Sarah Allen was born on August 1, 1925, in Farmville, Virginia. She departed this life on the Sunday Morning Train, November 7, 2021, at 8:00 A.M. peacefully in the home of her daughter Bernadette Owens. She was the only child born to Robert and Sarah Allen. He later married the late Irene Allen and she raised Elizabeth as her own daughter. She was the oldest of 15 children, 9 of which preceded her in death.

She attended Prince Edward County Public Schools in Virginia. At an early age she confessed her faith and was baptized and joined Zion Hill Baptist Church in Farmville, Virginia. As an incredibly young woman, Elizabeth relocated to New York City where she lived for a few years prior to returning to her home state of Virginia.

Elizabeth had 2 children prior to her marriage to John Taylor Owens. On February 2, 1947, she married the love of her life; the late John Taylor Owens, Sr. God blessed their union with 10 children, 2 of which preceded her in death, Dan & James. She loved her family and taught them to love one another as well. She joined Forest Baptist Church in Meherrin, Virginia with her husband. Later years she rejoined her home church, Zion Hill Baptist Church.

Elizabeth was a wonderful mother who raised her children with strong family values and who did not spare the rod. She was employed outside of the home for several years to support her family along with her late husband, affectionately known as “T.” She was formerly employed by the Kit Carson Motel in Farmville, Prince Edward County Public School Food Services and at Sam’s Truck Stop in Meherrin. After she left the workplace, she returned to the home to care for her family and her husband on a full-time basis.

One of her favorite quotes were “I might be a small potato, but I am hard to peel.” She loved to cook and she loved going to church. For many years, she was a choir member and served as a Deaconess. One of her special treats were going shopping with her daughter Flora Bell and going fishing with some of her friends. One of her greatest passions was the 4th Sunday of August “Homecoming” celebration with the family which took place in her front yard down through the years.

She leaves to cherish her memory: five sons, Robert L. Allen, Sr. (Rev. Barbara) of Baltimore, MD, John Owens, Jr. (Evelyn), Morris Owens, of Meherrin, VA, Herman Owens, of North Carolina, and Lawrence Owens, Sr. of Baltimore, MD; five daughters, Minnie Cooper (Robert) and, Illian Price (Fred) of Baltimore, MD, Deloris Barta (Craig) of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Marie Carey (Samuel) of Keysville, VA, and Bernadette Owens of Prince George, VA; 28 grandchildren, 60 great- grand and great-great grandchildren; five sisters, Margaret Lyle, Adline Allen and Annie Stevenson, all of Baltimore, MD, Emma J. Watson of Washington, D.C. and Rose Washington of Pineville, SC; a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. She had a special love for Ann Woodson and took her as her own daughter. She raised 2 grandchildren from birth Connie, and Shi. Towards her end of life, she looked forward to her grandson Pastor Christopher B. Allen, Sr. who ministered to her. 3 close friends, Rev. Pauline Stokes, Christine Agnew and Mae Bell Bagley.

Special thanks to her son John who returned home to care for his mother and often prepared a special dish he called “Monkey Stew and Rice” and she would say “I am not eating that.”

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