Charlene Owens

Charlene Ivy Owens was born April 16th in West Poin,t Mississippi to Sterling and Rosie Mae Ivy. She was the 5th child of 9 siblings. At a young age she met and fell in Love with Johnnie A. Owens Jr. who asked her father for her hand in marriage at 16. Johnnie knew he had found his "good thing" and wanted to do the right thing and make Charlene his wife. He also wanted to get her out of the country, take her to California and make a better life for them both. Johnnie was always very mature and wise beyond his years. So with the blessings of Sterling and Johnnie Owens Sr. they packed up, headed to California and never looked back.

They quickly started a family in which four children were born, Winston, Mildred, Helen and Johnnie III. Later they were also blessed with a daughter Michelle who is their daughter in every sense of the word.

Johnnie was a great provider and husband, he did everything in his power to provide for his wife and to treat her like the phenomenal woman that she became.

Charlene accepted Christ at an early age and also rededicated her life while a member for over 20 years at Greater Zion MB Church in Compton California where she faithfully served on the usher board.

"Mrs. Sunshine" was a name that Charlene was affectionately called. She had a heart of gold and made fast friends. Charlene has truly cared for others and spent her life making sure "everyone" was ok even if it meant moving them into her home until they were able to do for themselves and people LOVED HER BACK TENFOLD. Charlene's friends were near and dear and true.

"Mrs. Fashionista" and “World’s Best Cook.” When Charlene stepped out of the door she was put together from head to toe. She loved fashion and color and had a true knack for putting things together. Momma could cook like nobody's business and when she cooked you could just taste the Love in her food. Mom always left a lasting impression with everyone she met because of her great hospitality. She loved people, and people loved her. Mom also loved to laugh and talk to her grandkids and friends. Because of her intuition she was able to give sound advice to her children and grandchildren.

Charlene and Johnnie moved from California to Arizona in 2005. They built a house that became a "home" of warmth and love. They met more "Truly Amazing Friends" and was happiest while spending time with her friends, family, beautiful grandkids and attending her family reunions. She also loved entertaining, dining, swimming, daily visits to the Y and special times with her "Best Friend and “Lifelong Partner" of 59 years.

Charlene joined Lifepoint Church in San Tan Valley and served as a faithful usher and member until her health declined.

Her favorite holiday was Thanksgiving and it warmed her heart thru and thru to see all of her family together on that special day of thanks.

Our Mom was a fighter and after being diagnosed with cancer she fought a good fight and did everything in her power to get better. Even while she was ill her primary concern was the well-being of others. Charlene Ivy Owens is, was, and will forever be a “Phenomenal Woman of God.” Mom was eager for prayer. Her sister Emma and daughter Mildred faithfully prayed with her along with many prayer warriors and friends.

Life will never ever be the same without our dear Mother, Wife, Sister, Grandmother and Friend. She leaves to cherish her extraordinary memory, her devoted and loving husband Johnnie Owens Jr., her Son Winston Owens (Dee) of Az., her daughter Mildred Dixon (Michael) of CA., her Daughter Michelle Sponder of CA., her daughter Helen Owens of CA., her Son Johnnie Owens III (preceded her in death) her brother Henry Ivy of Kansas, her sister Emma Deberry (LD) of Milwaukee, her brother Rickey Ivy of Arkansas, 12 Grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, 4 sister in laws, 3 brother in laws, a host of cousins, relatives and very special friends.