Tonja Owens

TONJA OWENS was born in Baltimore Maryland on June 20, 1967, to the loving parents of Leon Nathaniel Owens and Iris Christine Owens. She departed this life on October 5, 2025. Tonja grew up in Baltimore and briefly lived in Ohio for a few years. She was educated in Baltimore County Public Schools and graduated from Milford Mill High School. During her high school years Tonja was very popular. She was homecoming queen in 1985. She was a part of the pom-pom team. Tonja also attended Baltimore Community College in Catonsville where she received her associate’s degree in business administration. In Maryland, Tonja worked at Jay Liner Attorney’s office where she was an assistant within the law firm. She worked briefly at the Social Security Administration office before starting her career at the United Parcel Service (UPS) before transitioning into her true passion as a managing technical writer in various marketing departments culminating in her last position at Great Gray Trust Company. Tonja was a member of St. Bernardine Catholic Church. Tonja was always the life the party. She loved traveling various excursions in and outside of the United States. She prided herself on experiencing foods in many cultures, and she was never one shy away from different experiences. Her love of food inspired her own cooking and baking endeavor. Tonja had a vibrant spirit and a deep love for dancing and singing. Whether it was a night out or a family gathering, she never missed a chance to hit the dance floor and let the music move her. Tonja cherished the joyful moments she spent with her grandchildren and others, creating sweet memories that will be deeply missed. In October of 1989 Tonja welcomed her first son David Bowles. Six years later July 1995, she also welcomed her second son Xavier (Alex) Bowles. She poured her heart into raising them, often saying with pride “I raised my boys to be gentlemen,” a reflection of the values she installed in them from a young age. One cherished Sunday tradition was cooking for her children. Though her sons sometimes saw her as strict, they always kept her attentive and energized, reflecting on the special bond they shared. Alongside her sons came her wonderful eight grandchildren who knew her by “Mimi.” Tonja peacefully transitioned, leaving behind a legacy of love cherished by her family and friends. She survived by her beloved mother, Christine Duckworth; her father, Leon Owens; and bonus mother Victoria Owens. Tonja’s sister, Nicole Bushey ( Michael), and her two sons David Bowles and Xavier Bowles, along with her bonus daughter India Matthews, carry her memory forward. She also leaves behind her brothers, Kenneth Barnes, Michael Jones, and Keith Singletary; her nephew, Matthew Bushey and Andrew Bushey; and eight adoring grandchildren, Elijah, Jordyn, Joshua, Erin-Noel, Adrian, Ava, Zaidyn, and Jace. Tonja’s life touched many including a host of aunts, cousins, and additional close family and friends who will forever hold her in their hearts.

Tributes

Tonja Owens

June 20, 1967 - October 5, 2025