Mr. Charles Jacob Owens
Passed 09/27/2019
In this life, we do not understand the mystery of death; but, it is the heritage of our great faith that we lay our blessed and dead away. It is in this time we find our comfort and strength. In His infinite wisdom, God our Father, who doeth all things well and maketh all things work together for the good of those who love Him, that He called our Precious Deacon Charles Jacob Owens to his eternal heavenly home on September 27, 2019, peacefully at his residence. He was born in Orangeburg, SC, the son of Reverend Thomas Franklin Owens and Mrs. Mae Gilyard Owens. At the age of six, he and his family moved to Far Rockaway, NY when his father became the Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church.
Deacon Owens graduated from Lawrence High School, Lawrence, NY and returned to South Carolina to attend Benedict College, Columbia, SC, graduating in 1954 with a degree in Science and Mathematics. Following graduation from Benedict College, Charles served two years in the Army as a member of the Presidential Honor Guard, yct Infantry in Fort Meyers, Virginia; he did further study at Columbia University, Molloy College and the Urban Academy.
Deacon Owens later returned to Far Rockaway, NY and began his professional career with the New York Housing Authority as Housing Assistant.
In 1958 Deacon Owens married the former Barbara Jackson of Due West, SC. They celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary June 1, 2013. Charles and Barbara are proud parents of three sons: Charles David, Thomas Franklin and Derrick Eugene.
In 1992 Deacon Owens retired from the New York Housing Authority as Director of Community Affairs after serving 32 faithful years. He received numerous promotions and merit appointments, most notably the "Public Service Award" sponsored by the City of New York, for "Outstanding Volunteer Service" and the "Mayor's Voluntary Action Award" for a superior volunteer program, which carried a monetary stipend of $5,000. He also received the "Presidential Citation Award" for "Outstanding Services".
In 1995 Deacon Owens and wife Barbara returned home to Orangeburg, SC. They joined Mount Pisgah Baptist Church. Charles was subsequently appointed Vice Chairman of the Deacons' Ministry. He served as President of Ward 1 Ministry and Teacher of the Men's Sunday School Class. Deacon Charles and Deaconess Barbara Owens have immersed themselves in community activities such as : Orangeburg AARP Chapter, Cooperative Church Ministries of Orangeburg (CCMO) and the Orangeburg Branch of the NAACP, both being Life members Deacon Owens was a former President of the Orangeburg AARP Chapter and former President of the Orangeburg Branch of the NAACP. He was an active member of both the National Benedict Alumni Association, serving as chairman of the Scholarship Committee, and the local Edisto Area Benedict Club as Chairman of the Fundraising Committee.
Two brothers: Jeff and Timothy and two sisters: Lottie and Tommie Lucille preceded Deacon Owens in death. Celebration of Life will be mourned by his wife: Mrs. Barbara J. Owens of the home; three sons: Charles David (Christine) Owens, Thomas Franklin (Sharon) Owens, and Derrick Eugene (Shelda) Owens; one brother: Harry Owens; one sister: Mattie Jean Amaker; grandchildren: Charlene Owens, Chardey Owens, Malcolm Owens, and Jaris Owens; and a loving great grandchild: Atlas Owens; a host of loving nieces, and nephews and other loving relatives and friends.
Visitation will be held 2:00 pm - 8:00 pm Thursday, October 3, 2019. Friends may call at Simmons Funeral Home & Crematory of Orangeburg.