Roger Edward Owens, affectionately known as “Ed,” departed this life on Tuesday, February 7, 2023, in the loving care of his family. He was born on September 24, 1943, in Williamsburg, Virginia, the third son of the late Preston L. and Mary Elizabeth Taylor Owens.
At an early age, Ed confessed Christ as his Personal Savior and joined Mount Pleasant Baptist Church in Williamsburg. He served on the Usher board and was a member of the Men’s Chorus. His favorite song was “He is Sweet I Know”. On August 26, 1973, he was united in Holy Matrimony to Mary Bernice Wallace. He fellowshipped with his wife at St. John Baptist Church in Toano, Virginia, prior to her joining Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church. Although they did not have children from their union, they sowed bountifully into the lives of their nieces, nephews, and godchildren.
Ed was educated in the Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools, attending Bruton Heights School. He was employed by Eastern State Hospital, working in the food service department for over thirty years. He was a hard-working, dedicated employee who was promoted to the position of Supervisor.
Ed enjoyed a good joke. He loved restoring cars and collecting model cars. He often spoke fondly of his fellowship with his brothers and men’s breakfast buddies at church. He was a die-hard Pittsburg Steelers fan and enjoyed playing the bass guitar. He also enjoyed lawn care and provided lawn care services to several local businesses and churches.
He leaves to cherish fond memories, his loving and devoted wife, Mary Bernice Owens; brothers, Jesse Owens and Stanley Owens (Rhonda); sisters, Louise Holmes, Irene Pressey (Sherman), Juanita Rabsatt, Jacqueline Bogger (Dennis), and Rosalind Smith (Rudolph); brother-in-Law, Freddie Wallace (Rosa); sister-in-law, Peggy Hopson (George); three godchildren, Ashley Wallace, Jada Walker, and Kamyia Wallace; special friend since childhood, Pervis Byrd; and a host of nieces, nephews, other loving relatives and friends.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, February 11, 2023, at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church. Livestream will be available at the beginning of the service. Interment to follow in Williamsburg Memorial Park. Mr. Owens may be viewed on Saturday from 12:00 p.m. until the hour of his service in the church. Facial coverings are required.
Professional services entrusted to the staff of Whiting’s Funeral Home, 7005 Pocahontas Trail, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185. 757-229-3011 whitingsfuneralhome.com
