Linda Jay Owens

Linda Owens, born September 11th, 1949 in Andalusia, Alabama, was a devoted wife, mother and nana. Linda, the epitome of elegance, grace and southern charm, was loved by everyone she encountered. Linda passed away on Thursday, January 12th, 2023. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

Linda loved gardening, especially her azaleas, and cooking delicious southern meals for her family and friends. Her Red Velvet cake was a favorite of her children and grandchildren. She was an active member of her church, Riddles Bend Baptist Church, where she served in various capacities, including as a Sunday school preschool teacher. Her years as a Mary Kay consultant kept her looking her chosen age of 39.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Evander and Bessie Jay; sister and brother-in-law, Fosteen and Leamon Hudson; daughter, Candace Ellaween Nelson; Brother and sister-in-law, Buddy and Erma Jay; brothers-in-law, Hiram Cheshire, Pat Carroll and Bobby Armstrong.

She is survived by her loving husband, Don Owens; children, Clay Nelson, Julie and Michael Dean, and Lizann Allsup; sisters, Katy Cheshire, Doris Bowen, and Shirley Armstrong; grandchildren, Becca, Lauren and Gavin Nelson, Preston Pruett, Nigel and Lunden Dean, Tana and Eric Estes, Jess Allsup; along with a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Dale Heard, Zane Allsup, John Clark, Patrick Cook, Walt Whisenant, and Sam Vinyard.

Honorary pallbearers will be Mike Hudson and Michael Dean.

Linda's love and generosity will never be forgotten. A celebration of her life will be held at Riddles Bend Baptist Church on Monday, January 16, 2023, 1:00PM. The family will accept friends from 5:00PM to 7:00PM on Sunday, January 15, 2023, at Collier-Butler Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Linda's name to American Cancer Society or the Jimmy Howard Scholarship fund Attn: Kiwanis Club of Gadsden, Jimmy Howard Scholarship fund, Po Box 232 Gadsden, AL 35902.

The family would like to thank Libby Turnipseed, Linda Howard, Rebecca Coleman, Harold Nelson, Amber Deal, Veronica Harbin, Southern Care Hospice, Jenn Reagan, and members of Riddles Bend Baptist Church.

May she rest in peace and be reunited with her loved ones who passed before her. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.