Louise Owens

Louise Owens Owens, 93, of Fremont, died Saturday, October 5, 2024.

Funeral, Wilson Memorial Service, Wilson, Thursday, October 10, 11:00 AM, followed by a time of visiting and sharing. Burial, Elmwood Cemetery, Fremont. 

Surviving is her son, Mark Owens, of the home; grandchildren Tracy Pittman (Anthony) of Eureka, Tia Wilson (Mark) of Belfast, Trina Gant (Casey) of Knightdale, James Owens of the home; great-grandchildren, Weston, Walker and Waylon Pittman, Hadley Gant, Barrett Wilson; best friend, Betty M. Strickland of Fremont; beloved friend, Lynnette Washam of Fremont.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, Buddy Owens in 1980 and Lonnie Williams in 2004; son, Allan Owens in 2021; parents, Wade and Irene Smith Owens of Wayne County; sisters, Mary Argie Lancaster in May of this year; Frances Rose in 1983; brother, James Owens in 2013.

Louise grew up in Wayne County and farmed the land most of her life. As a child she was a daddy’s girl, following behind him every step. He instilled in her a love of the land as well as passion for fishing. Growing up on the small community of Faro, she attended her beloved Faro Chapel church as a girl and was an active member there as an adult for over 60 years. Louise attended Eureka school as a young girl and always had an intense drive for learning. Education was very important to her and she later instilled that in her children and grandchildren. As an adult Louise and her husband, Buddy, worked side by side growing tobacco, corn, and cotton on their farm. They were well known in Wayne and Wilson counties for their hard work and big farming operations. It was as an adult Louise cultivated her love for cooking. She enjoyed feeding a crowd and everyone that had the pleasure of sitting at her table enjoyed it to! She told stories of learning to cook by trial and error, making mistakes and then having to wait all week until she could go visit with her Mama to find out what she had done wrong. She never had much use for a recipe, she just knew how to make it. Along with being a great cook, Louise was an avid Gardner. Her rose bushes and yard were always picture perfect. She enjoyed working in her flower beds and mowing the grass, which she was very particular about. 

Later in life she slowed down and retired from farming. The retired life didn’t sit well with her and within 6 months she had gotten a job at Walmart in Wilson. She served as a people greater there for 16 years and was well loved by her coworkers and the regular shoppers. It was also at Walmart where Louise met her second husband, Lonnie. Lonnie brought out the adventurous spirit in Louise and they often traveled together on cruises and bus tours. These short years together were some of the best times for her, it seemed. If you knew Louise, you knew how much she loved her children and grandchildren. She didn’t miss a ball game or an event if she could help it. Proud to always show her family off wherever she went. She was always kind and caring, but always honest, even if the truth wasn’t what you wanted to hear. Her compassion also extended to animals. Numerous dogs and a few cats got to experience her warmth as well. Louise raised first class American Border Collies in her younger years and eventually found herself with a long hair chihuahua, Daisy, that never left her lap. 

As the years passed and her health declined she spent her last years in the wonderful care of Wilson Pines Nursing Home. The staff and residents all adored her and always spoke highly of Louise saying she was the sweetest woman they’ve known. She had excellent care there and loved her Hospice Nurse, Brittany, like she was family. Louise had a way of making everyone feel like family and always wanted to take care of others. Our family would like to thank everyone for the wonderful words and kindness shown. We would especially like to thank Wilson Hospice and Wilson Pines Facility staff for the amazing care and love shown to our precious Mama and Grandma. Your love was felt in the most beautiful way. 

Memorials are suggested to Faro Chapel PFWB Church, 731 Watery Branch Church Rd, Stantonsburg, NC 27883. 

The family will meet at the home of Tia and Mark Wilson.

Arrangements by Wilson Memorial Service, 2811 Fieldstream Dr. N, Wilson, 237-7171; www.wilsonmemorialservice.com