Maegirtha Owens

For Maegirtha, being a daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, homemaker, friend, aunt, matriarch, mentor, neighbor, counselor, confidante, and servant were all honorable callings. Moreover, she was a part of the generation that counted motherhood as a virtue because mothers knew the difference between a house and a home. So her golden accomplishment in life was to make a loving home that would produce a tapestry of memories for which her family would forever cherish and relish. When Maegirtha Dailey was born on April 13, 1914, she was blessed with God fearing parents who, by example, taught Christian values, integrity and ingenuity that resulted in a solid and caring family environment. Her parents were highly respected among friends and neighbors in the Princeton Community. She confessed her faith in Christ at a tender age where she united with Mt. Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church in the Princeton Community. She attended and received her eighth grade diploma from the Princeton School. Maegirtha loved learning and even though she had to miss many days of school to “chop” and “pick” cotton, she was determined to obtain her education. Maegirtha grew up to be a beautiful and intelligent young woman. She became Mrs. Owens on December 8, 1934, when she married Gee Owens, her childhood sweetheart and one true love. They settled in Sparkman and started their family in the Harmony Community with eight healthy children. She joined Harmony Missionary Baptist Church and served faithfully until her demise. She served in a number of church auxiliaries. She participated in the Missionary Society, as Sunday school teacher, secretary of #2 Sunday school class, hospitality committee, benevolence treasurer and trustee. She also served as a deaconess. She preached kindness, respect of self and others. She possessed a strong work ethic, gentle demeanor and subtle degree of sophistication. To celebrate the Dailey and House family reunion tradition and heritage, Maegirtha worked enthusiastically for the historical gathering. One of her greatest joys was spending memorable moments with relatives both young and old. Her legacy of family togetherness, hospitality and community will live on in the hearts of her loved ones and friends. Her angelic face was always a portrait of serenity and composure. Her natural wit and humor could chase the chill from any room. After 66 wonderful years of sharing life with Gee Owens, her devoted husband was called to glory to be with the Lord on October 2, 2001. She was also preceded in transition by her doting parents, her siblings, Willie Dailey, Nathan Dailey, James Dailey, Victoria Williams, Alice Crawford, three beloved children- Carl F. Owens, Alfred G. Owens and Dorethia Newburn, one granddaughter, Yolonda Gale Owens and a great-granddaughter, Karisma Simpson Hughes. On Thursday, November 29, 2012, in her 98th season of life with Geneva, Darlene, Marilyn and Latoya at her bedside, she began her eternal celebration in a land that shall never grow old. Although Mother lived what some may call a long life, those who were touched by her understood that the quality of her existence far exceeded the quantity of time many of us spent with her. Her passing shall be filled with rejoicing for a life well lived. It is a given that she lived a long life filled with love, joy and happiness. She gave her all to the Lord, and now is added to His great and blessed family in the world beyond our vision, a place not made by human hands, a place we call Heaven. Her life was the epitome of courage, love, and a deep abiding faith expressed by the many lives she touched. Her love and devotion was shared by five children: Carlton Owens of Warren, AR, Freddie Lee Owens of Arkadelphia, Geneva O. Hunter (Warren) of Gum Springs, AR, Darlene O. Simpson of Gurdon, AR, and Marilyn L. Owens of Sherwood, AR, one daughter-in-law, Lillie Owens of Jacksonville, AR; thirty-three grandchildren, thirty-one great grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren; two sisters, Sallie Burks of Princeton, AR, and Margaret Temple of Little Rock, AR; and one brother, George Dailey (Daisy) of Kansas City, MO. She also leaves a multitude of nieces, nephews, as well as other relatives and many, many friends. Mrs. Owens will lie in repose at the funeral home on Friday, December 7th from 2:00 until 5:00 p.m. The family will gather from 6:00 until 7:00 p.m. at Greater Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, 16th and Caddo Streets, to receive friends and share with them the Images of life DVD. The Owens family invites friends and extended family members to share in the final tributes to her life on Saturday, December 8th at 11:00 a.m. at Harmony Missionary Baptist Church where Rev. Harvey Goodwin is the pastor and will serve as the celebrant. The committal service and final resting place will be at Harmony Community Cemetery in Sparkman, Arkansas. The bearers of the casket will be McKenzie James, Warren Tyrone Hunter, Alfred Owens, Jr., Geoffery Owens, Timothy Owens, Kirk Owens, Vincent Owens, Monroe Owens Lucas and Charlie James Owens. Memorials in her memory can be made to Harmony Missionary Baptist Church, 949 Dallas 205 Sparkman, Arkansas 71763