Evelyn Marie Owens
May 19, 1953 - December 31, 2018
Obituary
Evelyn M. Owens 65, passed peacefully on December 31, 2018 at University of Washington Medical Center, in Seattle Washington. After many long and challenging years of heart conditions, she is finally free and has received her crown in glory.
Evelyn was born on May 19, 1953 to the late Rev. W.L. Martin, Sr. and the late Mrs. Daisy Elizabeth Knight Martin in Cotton Plant, Arkansas. She was a loving mother of two sons, Jarvis Keith Caudle (Texas) and Brian Donquill Owens (deceased), 2 granddaughters, Talia and Khamilyheia Caudle, 3 grandsons, Brian Gabriel, Adrian Michael and Cameron Jin Owens.
Also, to cherish her memory are two brothers, Lonnie B. Martin (Helen), Willie Lee Martin, Jr. (Cheryl), four sisters, Renee Hill (Michael), Marietta Allen (Oliver), Marilyn Henderson and Salie Michele Johnson, along with a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.
Evelyn gave her life to Christ at an early age. She loved the Lord and was faithful until death. She followed the teachings of our beloved parents and worked diligently in various ministries in the church. She was baptized at Mt Harmony Missionary Baptist Church, Pine Bluff, Arkansas and was an active member of the Sunday school, youth and young adult ushers and the choir.
As the second sibling of eight, she was the giver and nurturer and always took great care of the younger siblings. She would tell anybody listening, that she made the best fried chicken, field peas and corn bread in the country. To be honest, we are all still trying to meet her standards of cooking, which is quite difficult to do.
In 1984, Evelyn and her two sons moved to Arlington, Texas. She was a committed nurse and devoted mother. She joined and became an active member of Southeast Arlington Community Church where she served in the Children, Women and Evangelism Ministries. Philippians 3:14 “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” She also served as a Deaconess for many years.
In the later years, Evelyn joined Fresh Anointed Worship Center, in Lancaster, Texas, where she was a faithful member and attended regularly. She assisted in the ministry of Pastoral Aide and frequently brought her son and grandsons to church with her. After her move to Washington, Evelyn continued to be a faithful steward and member via mobile. Her long-distance church home has supported her through this earthly battle with prayers, phone calls and visits.
Evelyn was a union employee for over 20 years with the Safeway Corporation in Pine Bluff, Arkansas and served as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) at the Pine Bluff Nursing Home for many years. During her tenure at Safeway, she helped institutionalize many of the common food service practices and exemplary customer service. As an LPN, she served in many capacities, specifically as a wound care nurse. In this position, she epitomized the term, “serving with a spirit of excellence”.
She is a 1972 graduate of Pine Bluff High School, Pine Bluff Arkansas and attended the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. She also attended and successfully completed her nursing degree from the Pines Vocational-Technical School, currently the Southeast Arkansas College and spent many years perfecting her career as one of the most highly trained and skilled nurses around. She continued her nursing career as an LPN in Arlington, Texas and advanced to a professional skilled nurse trainer.
After retiring, Evelyn moved to the state of Washington in September of 2014. She developed many friends. Being ever conscious of honoring her beliefs, she was a leader and participant of the community bible study group where she lived. Due to her declining health, Evelyn could not actively serve in the church as before, but she continued to be faithful with her prayers and gifts.
Evelyn was a voice of wisdom for her nieces and nephews whom she spoiled unashamedly. She often bought items too small or not her style, just to have a reason to say “I can’t wear this” and give it to one of her nieces. She loved going out to eat with them because just as she spoiled them, they likewise spoiled her. While most of her grandchildren lived far away, she loved them and spoke of them daily. She was extremely happy to have the youngest grandchild near and he always delighted her.
Sending my condolences with love
Although my heart is heavy, I am very thankful that my big sister is at rest. She is home with our Mom and a host of our loved ones. I will see her again one day.
Love and miss you so much Evelyn…
It has been a year since Evelyn went home to glory. I miss her crazy sense of humor and the fact she would tell a joke that no one but her thought was funny….and she would laugh heartily! Yes, I miss her but I’m comforted in knowing she is out of pain and with the Lord! Love you sis, we’ll meet again someday in Glory!
I miss you Evelyn…I can still hear you saying where is your popcorn…I still can’t belive you are not here… Love you sis