Jessie Julius Owens

Jessie J. Owens was born on January 1, 1946 in Sparkman, Arkansas to the union of Julius and Ida Williams Owens. He accepted Christ at a young age. He labored for years as a logger in the timber industry.

He later married Thelma Owens and they made their home in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Shortly after her death he moved to Prescott, Arkansas and united with the St. John Baptist Church Family in Bluff City, Arkansas. He enjoyed fishing and quartet singing.

Jessie passed from this life on Saturday, June 12, 2021 at Wadley Regional Medical Center in Texarkana, Texas. He was preceded in death by his wife, Thelma; his siblings, Exie B. Williams, J.W. Owens, Fred Owens, Roosevelt Owens and Hezekit Owens.

He leaves fond memories in the hearts of his companion and friend, Corene Smith of Prescott, AR; his daughter, Sherry (Larry0 Wilson of McAllen, TX; eight grandchildren and twenty great-grandchildren; he also leaves two sisters, Mattie Redmond and Eloise Perry both of Milwaukee, WI; one brother, Arthur (Cynthia) Owens of Champagne, IL. He also leaves his sisters-in-law, Mae F. Owens, Dessie Owens and Rosie Owens all of Arkadelphia, AR; a brother-in-law, Roy (Blanchie) Williams of Princeton, AR; a  special friend, Luis Brumfield. several nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Public visitation will be held Friday, June 18, 2021, from 12 noon until 6:00 p.m. at Williams Funeral Home. Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. at New Bethel Baptist Church on Saturday, June 19, 2021, with Rev. Chris Collins, officiating. Interment to follow at Harmony Community Cemetery.

Active pallbearers will be Charles Owens, William Owens, Derick Owens, Antonio Owens, Kevin Williams and Frederick Owens. Honorary pallbearers will be Derrick Williams, Terrence Matlock, Greg Williams, Paul Owens and Anthony Redmond.