Emily K. Owens

Emily King Owens, age 97, of Knoxville, passed away peacefully Tuesday, February 1, 2022, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Knoxville on December 14, 1924, to Hansel and Evie King. She graduated salutatorian of the class of 1942 from Young High School. She worked on the Manhattan Project in Oak Ridge for 3 years, worked for the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and retired from the Tennessee Valley Authority as a technical librarian in 1985. She was a longtime member of Arlington Baptist Church. Emily was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great grandmother, sibling, neighbor, and friend. She was a meticulous record keeper and composed poetry, often gifting a special poem to her children and grandchildren on their birthdays. Her favorite motto, inscribed in her home was “A Love of Life; A Life of Love”. Emily was a full embodiment of that sentiment. Equipped with a sharp wit, infectious laugh, and youthful exuberance, Emily, though standing only 4 feet 10 inches, was a giant in her family. She was a champion of children, donation to multiple children’s charities yearly. She loved coconut cake, pina coladas, hot tea with lemon and honey, chocolate truffles, and her chicken and dumplings were beyond compare. She was generous and funny and never afraid to be the target of a good joke. She was the matriarch of her family and was most proud of the five generations of family that she lived to witness. Emily was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 50 years, Oscar Owens; infant son, Gary Edward; parents, Hansel and Evie King; siblings, Irene Gambill, infant brother Herbert , L.H. King, Juanita Sloan, Imogene Foster, and Larry King; sons-in-law, Larry O’Brien, and Jimmy Lee. Survived by daughters, Nancy O’Brien, Sharon Lee, and Karen Valero; grandchildren, Kristi Birchfield (Joe), David O’Brien, Tracy Lee, Michelle Hamby (Jimmy), Tamra Lee, and Melissa Boyles (Cody); great-grandchildren, Joey Birchfield (Jessika), Kelsey Birchfield , Sydney Birchfield, and Jamesyn Hamby; great-great grandson, Vince Birchfield; sister, Mary Helen Barringer; brother, Dan King, and a host of nieces, nephews, and special friends. The family would also like to extend sincerest gratitude to Tender Hearts Homecare Services, specifically Emily’s beloved caregiver, Angie Caldwell, for their loving support. The family will receive friends Saturday, February 5, from 2-4 pm at Berry Lynnhurst Funeral Home, 2300 Adair Dr. Graveside service will be 1 pm, Sunday, February 6, at Greenwood Cemetery. Pastor John Lovelace will officiate. MASKS WILL BE REQUIRED AT BOTH GATHERINGS. Pallbearers; David O’Brien, Joe Birchfield, Joey Birchfield, Cody Boyles, Jimmy Hamby, and Jackie Wilson. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Arlington Baptist Church Building Fund, 4383 LifeSpring Ln, Knoxville, TN 37918 or to the charity of your choice. Condolences may be offered at www.berrylynnhurst.com