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Obituary For Melberta Washington Owens
Celebration of Life Services
- Signing of the Register Book & Public Viewing: 12:00 noon – 5:00 PM | Friday, August 14, 2026, in the Chapel of West Gadsden Funeral Home.
- Funeral Services: 11am | Saturday August 15, 2026, at Mission Baptist Church ( 1115 Tuscaloosa Ave, Gadsden, AL 35901).
- Burial: Lincoln Hill Memorial Park (408 Miller Ave, Gadsden, Al.35904)
MELBERTA OWENS
Melberta Washington-Owens, affectionately known as Granma Mel and Granny, was born to the late Melvin Washington and Alma Walkins in Mound Bayou, Mississippi, on February 21, 1940.
Melberta accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age in Chicago, Illinois. She became a member of Tabernacle Baptist Church in Eufaula, Alabama and Damascus Baptist Church in Gadsden, Alabama.
She was educated in the Chicago City Schools, where she attended Parker High School.
Melberta became a Nurse’s Assistant working for Norwegian Medical Center, as well as Strom Becker Corporation in Chicago, Illinois and Eufaula Adolescent Center in Eufaula, Alabama. After many years of professional and dedicated service, she retired from Riverview Regional Hospital in Gadsden, Alabama.
Preceding Melberta in death was her loving husband, Arthur James Owens; daughter, Linda Owens-Davis; parents, Melvin Washington and Alma Watkins; three sisters, Dorothy, Mildred, and Pamela, and brother, Fred.
Embracing her lifetime of cherished and loving memories are her son, Henry (Jacqueline) Washington of Gadsden, AL; four daughters, Debra Wilson of Blue Island, IL, Bonita Owens of Madison, AL, Michelle Peterson and Sabrina Cox, both of Gadsden, AL; 13 grandchildren, Deshon Wilson, Anthony Owens (Reshona), Melody Rogers (Mike), Tommy Peterson, Darrell Davis, Desmond Peterson (Leah), Andre’ Owens, Marcus Davis, Brittnany Cox, Henry Washington (Rind), Jamal Davis (Shanara), Kimberly Smith and Luvenia Smith; her extended family, Wanda Jones, Lorrain Watson, and Joan Cox and also a host of great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, family and dear friends.
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The Loving Light Dishgarden was sent for Melberta Washington Owens - August 14, 2026
Dearest Sabrina,
In loving memory of your beautiful mother and the love and legacy she leaves within you and your family.
With much love and prayer,
Rod and Kim Young
Blessings Bouquet was sent for Melberta Washington Owens - August 13, 2026
Epsilon Upsilon Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. expresses its condolences to our Soror Jacqueline Washington and the entire Washington family. Soror Marsetta Lee, Chapter President
Dear Family Ms.Owens quiet gentle spirit will be missed. Those we love don't go away. They walk beside us every day-unseen, unheard but always near. Psalm 23
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.