Mary Lou Owen

Mary Lou, Ms. Mary or Granny - whatever you called her, she was a woman you wanted to know and call a friend. She was loyal, brutally honest and expected you to do what she recommended or commanded. Her resilience came from living during the Depression Era with only her father, Robert Theodore Mynatt and her sister, Emily Houk. Her mother, Mossy Mae Archer watched over her from Heaven. She never forgot the appreciation of hard work and never took anything for granted. Mary was a perfect example of a loving mother and granny. She adored her only child, Richard Owen, and two granddaughters, Tribby (Eric) Kelly and Jasmine (Will) Brown.

We all knew who ran the house and who had the last word! She fiercely loved us but, would use colorful language to remind us who was boss! She loved to cook and shop. Her food created a lot of fluffy waistlines and longing for the next time she made chicken and dumplings and cream puffs. She had such a classy sense of a style with her wardrobe and home. She amazed us with her ability to find the most ridiculous clearance score on the regular. She was the Queen of the Dillard's mega sales.

She may have been one tough lady but, she believed in being a servant of God and doing for others. She was active in serving the homeless, less privileged, depressed and lonely, fellow humans struggling with addictions, and those who did not have the same rights as most of us. She was not afraid to fight for what was right even if she was in an environment where an outspoken woman was not accepted. To all the woman, young ladies and girls - never ever allow your voice and rights to be diminished to make those who are demeaning and narcissistic control who you are and your agenda to make this world better for you and the human race. What a blessing that she was able to pass that down to her family.

Mary adored her only child and thrived on the energy of her grandchildren, great-grandchildren Kyla (Jonathan) Marquez, Demi (Daniel) Easter, Olivia Kelly, Jordan (Max) Crandall, Jeremiah Steele, Isabella Kelly. and great-great grandchildren (Teegan and Tinslee Steele, Chloe Easter, Adeline Crandall and Malala Marquez. She loved sharing humiliating stories about her grandchildren to their children. She spared no expense of their embarrassment to make the kids laugh and then she was the rock star of grannies who continuously roasted their parents.

Although she loved her human family, she legit loved her four legged family more. This is not an exaggeration but, a reality to us peasant humans. The jealously we had of her dogs was real and at times annoying. You know you are a rock star when the humans are trying to out do the four legged favorites for your attention and treats. Trader Joe’s makes really good natural ingredient treats that we were thrilled to receive when us peasants were acknowledged for positive behavior. The four legged favorites would never share their steaks with us. Rude. Then she would have us in our feelings by telling us she wouldn’t trade us for a river bottom farm. We are not sure what that really meant but, we loved having her say it to us.

If you did not have the privilege of knowing this amazing woman, I am sorry. You truly missed out.

If you did know her, I hope you will find the humor and fond memories of your time with her.

The family requests that you not send flowers, plants or food. We will have to deal with the dying flowers in a week or so. We will kill any plant in about 6 weeks and we really don’t have time for that. Plus, it’s wasting your money and Mary was not about that life. The food would not fit in our refrigerator and it probably would not be to the standards we were used to.

So, I need to say this loudly. If you want to honor Mary Lou, Ms. Mary or Granny, please go do random acts of kindness in her name and the #MaryLOwen. This is exactly what she would want. Love your fellow humans unconditionally and you will have no regrets.

We freaking love you so much Mary Lou. We are at peace knowing you are in Heaven and with daddy.

A visitation will be held for Mary Lou on Friday, January 7, 2022 at 2pm Berry Highland Memorial Funeral Home, 5315 Kingston Pike with a graveside service to follow.