Marie Joey Owen's Obituary
Marie Joey Owen, 86, surrounded by her devoted daughters, stepped into the arms of her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, March 21. She was a longtime resident of Gainesville, Florida.
Mrs. Owen was born in Bell, Florida on August 10, 1936, to the late Sidney and Rella Lu Reeta Philman. She graduated from Bell High School, and later moved to North Carolina before returning to Gainesville in 1969. Mrs. Owen worked for many years in numerous administrative positions at the University of Florida. She was a proud patriot who loved her country, and she loved watching her children and grandchildren’s achievements, but the most important thing in her life was her faith and sharing the love of Jesus.
She was preceded in death by her husbands, L. A. “Bud” Overby and Donald G. Owen and by one daughter, Sonya Thrift.
Survivors include her daughters, Becky (Steve) Deaux, of St. Augustine, Donna (Richard) Smith, of Charlotte, NC and Stephanie (Doug) Jones, of Gainesville; a brother, Dale Philman, of Lake City; four grandchildren, Timothy (Christina) Deaux, Matthew Smith, Christian (Larissa) Smith, and Sonya (Brandon) Harrell; five great grandchildren, Owen, Dottie & Daisy Deaux and Lennon Rose & Carter Michau Smith.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Cancer Society, Tunnels to Towers, or Wounded Warriors.
The family plans to have a private Celebration of Life at her “Happy Place” in Lake Lure, NC.
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