Arlene Gant Owens

Ms. Arlene Gant Owens, 88, passed away on Saturday November 19, 2016 at her home. Ms. Owens was born on April 13, 1928 in Alexander County to William Eli and Blanche Crouch Gant. After graduating from Cool Springs High School, Ms. Owens moved to Winston Salem to work in the textile industry and to play semi-pro women's basketball for Hanes Mills and later for Kinney Cola. It was in Winston Salem that she met and married her husband, Hal Owens, after which she became a housewife and mother. Well known to Hickory residents as a sales associate at Melville's Women's Clothing Store, she also worked with Stanley Home Products for forty years. In retirement, Arlene worked as a hospital volunteer and with Cooperative Christian Ministries of Catawba County. An active church member at Sandy Ridge Baptist Church and later at Christ Chapel Baptist church, she served many years as a teacher of Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and various Bible studies. She was a choir member for many years as well. Active until her death, Arlene was an avid reader, swimmer, and shopper. Her most telling descriptor however is that of Christian. She faced death bravely without fear and with the faith of knowing in whose hands she had placed her life 73 years prior. Ms. Owens was preceded in death by her husband Hal C. Owens, her brother; Pernell Gant, her sisters; Lois Cashion, Melinda Medin, and Catherine Cloer. Ms. Owens is survived by a daughter Beverly Jaynes of Lenoir, sons; Joe Owens and wife Lisa of Granite Falls, Rick Owens and wife Scarlett of Charlotte, grandchildren; Emily Jaynes of Winston-Salem and William Owens of Charlotte, and many nephews and a niece.

The family will receive friends from 10:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday November 22, 2016 at Hickory Funeral Home. The Funeral service will be Tuesday November 22, 2016 at 11:30 a.m. in the Chapel at Hickory Funeral Home with Dr. B. Dale Watts officiating the services. The graveside service will immediately follow at Catawba Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Cooperative Christian Ministries, 31 First Ave. SE, Hickory, NC 28602 or Catawba Regional Hospice, 3975 Robinson Rd. Newton, NC 28658. Condolences may be made online at www.hickoryfh.com. Hickory Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements