Evelyn M Owens

1943 – 2016

Evelyn M. Owens was born in 1943 in Shreveport, Louisiana, to Christopher Hunt Martin and Georgia Hughes Martin. She spent her childhood years in Shreveport, was active in the youth group of Highland Baptist Church, and graduated from C.E. Byrd High School. She later attended Louisiana Tech University where she was a member of Sigma Kappa sorority and earned a BS in Business Administration. During her freshman year she was set up on a blind date with Jim Owens; they married in 1966 and they recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

After graduation, they moved to Houston, Texas where Evelyn pursued a business career. After the birth of their son she enjoyed being a stay-at-home mom and was active volunteer at all of his schools. The PTA awarded her a Lifetime Membership for her extensive volunteer work. She later pursued her passion for reading, books, and education by working as a library aide in elementary schools for the Spring Branch Independent School District for over 20 years.

Church was important in her life. At various times in Houston she attended Terrace United Methodist Church, Houston’s First Baptist Church, and Tallowood Baptist Church.

Evelyn enjoyed her retirement years with extensive travel to China, Canada, Alaska, California, Boston, NYC, and New Mexico. She was also an active member in a number of volunteer organizations. Evelyn was a proud member of Houston Junior Woman’s Club, where she served as First Vice President / Provisional Mom and as a member of the Ronald McDonald House cook team. She looked forward to volunteering at Camp for All, a summer camp for adults and children with special needs. She was active in Chapter P of P.E.O, which supports education and advancement for women. She also enjoyed various leadership positions with the Spring Oaks Garden & Hobby Club.

Evelyn was a sports fanatic and was happiest during fall and spring which found her on Saturdays watching college football and basketball. She loved March Madness and attended the Men’s NCAA Final Four and regional playoffs on numerous occasions – go Duke Blue Devils! To the surprise of many, she was a car racing fan and attended the Indianapolis 500 and numerous NASCAR events for over 25 years.

Evelyn passed away after a brave battle with cancer. She is survived by her husband Jim Owens and son M. Owens, brother-in-law Bill Owens, niece Cathy Miller, nephew Chris Martin, and cousins Nancy Chandler, Willie Lou Benson, Carolyn Switzer, Jane Hughes, Frank Hughes, and Randy Reese.

A visitation was held at Waltrip Funeral Directors,1415 Campbell Road, Houston, TX, on Monday, February 29, 2016 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

The funeral service and reception was held at Tallowood Baptist Church, 555 Tallowood Road in Houston, Texas on Tuesday, March 1, 2016 at 10:00 a.m.. A graveside service and burial was conducted at Forest Park East Cemetery, 3700 St. Vincent Avenue, Shreveport, LA, on March 3, 2016 at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to:

Camp for All, 10500 Northwest, #220, Houston, TX 77042

Ronald McDonald House, Houston, 1907 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030