Mary Elizabeth (Reeves) Owens

Mary Elizabeth Owens, age 86, made her transition Friday, November 25,2011. She was born July 16, 1925 in Meansville, GA. Mary was predeceased by her parents, Rev. and Mrs. Olin Reeves; her beloved husband of 70 years, Emmit; nine brothers, Rev. Joseph Reeves, Rev. Thomas Reeves, Rev. Adam Reeves, Deacon Frank Reeves, Rev. Elbert Reeves, Rev. Harvey Reeves, Willie Reeves, Deacon O.W. Reeves and Deacon Walter Reeves; three sisters, Julia Reeves, Emma Coggins, and Henrietta Scadlock. Additionally, she was predeceased by her grandson, Talbert Townsel; and son-in-law, Lawrence Welch. Mary was a graduate of Demis Cure College of Cosmetology in Atlanta. She and her husband moved to Columbus in 1945. Mary was always active in her church. At Pilgrim Baptist Church she worked with the Willing Workers and was the founder of the first Junior Usher Board. The family moved their membership to Christ Memorial Baptist Church in 1965. Mary was an excellent cook and homemaker. Mary and her brother Walter were the founders of the Reeves Family Reunion, and she served as president of the Ohio chapter for 30 years. She leaves to cherish her memory, two daughters, Gwen Mendenhall and Patricia Tucker-Welch. Mary has 5 grandchildren, Sean (Kathy) Mendenhall, Shannon Mendenhall, Tara Tucker, Tyson Tucker, and Derek Garland. She has 10 great-grand children, Talia, Brailyn; Aylah, Taylore, Onyx, Gyvnn, Owyn, Derek, Skylar, Saniya; one sister, Olena Garland; and one brother, Rev. Otha (Helen) Reeves; sisters-¬in-law, Daisy Reeves, Mary Reeves, Lizzie Peoples, Rosa Mae Parks, Suzie Parks, Luella Eppinger; and one brother-in-law, Jimmy Owens. She has a host of nieces and nephews from the Reeves family that loved her as Aunt Mary.