Surrounded by family and members of her prayer group, Gara Dean Owens passed away in San Jose, California on April 1, 2017. Gara was born in Barstow, California on September 21, 1949. She was the seventh of nine children born to General, Sr. and Maxine Owens. She graduated from Barstow High School, Barstow Community College, and Santa Clara University. She was a middle school teacher who taught for over 30 years in the Alum Rock School District in San Jose and the Milpitas Unified School District. She will be remembered as a loving mother, a dedicated teacher, and a woman of great faith.
Gara is survived by her dutiful and loving son, Stephen Mixon; siblings Levi Owens, John Owens, Felton Owens, Dennis Owens, and Gladys Hill; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Gara is preceded in death by her parents, General Owens, Sr. and Maxine (Hampton) Owens; and brothers, Leroy, TJ, and General, Jr.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 28, 2017 at the Cathedral of Faith, 2315 Canoas Garden Ave., San Jose, California. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Gara’s name to the American Cancer Society.
