Mary Nell Owens

MARY NELL ROBINSON OWENS was born on March 27th, 1947, to Savannah and Fred Robinson in Montgomery, Alabama. Mary fought a lengthy battle with heart disease and kidney failure. GOD ended her fight and granted Mary peace and victory. On June 16, 2024, Mary received her heavenly wings, now she suffers no more. ln 1964, Mary attended the historic Booker T. Washington High School in Montgomery, Alabama. Mary excelled in achieving excellence graduating from high school receiving the 2nd highest academic honors a Salutatorian Award. The award earned Mary a scholarship to Hampton Institute in Virginia, there she pursued her dreams and ambitions of becoming a neurosurgeon doctor. Unfortunately, due to lack of funding she was unable to complete her degree. In 1981 Mary graduated from University of Baltimore with a B.S. degree in Business Administration while managing full-time employment, motherhood, and being a wife. Mary decided to succeed in life by any means necessary by taking various jobs as a housekeeper in Great Neck, Freeport, and Long Island, New York. In August 1966, Mary moved to Baltimore to live with family. Mary obtained employment shortly after arriving in Baltimore and soon rented a room in the downtown YMCA in Baltimore City. Mary lived at the YMCA until she met her husband the late Richard Owens and married him in October 1968. The couple moved to Cherry Hill where they lived for 13 years until their marriage ended. The union produced their only child La Rhonda Owens. Mary climbed the corporate ladder and maintained a successful career as a senior compensation analyst working for organizations such as Johns Hopkins Medical Center, AARP, The Children’s Hospital in Washington, DC., and the Maryland National Parks and Recreations. Mary was kindhearted, intelligent, and full of love. She was a faithful member of Saint Bernardine’s Church and the Catholic faith. Mary enjoyed cooking, gardening, helping others and most of all spending time with family and friends. Mary leaves many loving memories to cherish for daughter, La Rhonda Owens; grandsons, Derrick McLeod Jr., Michael Davis all from Baltimore, MD; siblings, Charles Willams (deceased), Vira Jean Hendricks of Baltimore, MD, Arnold Foy (Anna) of Leland, NC, Vira Hogan (Dennis) of Garner, NC, Reginald Robinson of Fayetteville, NC, Pamela Salifize (Mamane) of Greensboro, NC; a host of nieces and nephews, great-nieces and -nephews, and great-great-nephews and -nieces, cousins, and loyal friends and family to the end.

Tributes

Mary Nell Owens

March 27, 1947 - June 16, 2024