Mrs. Gladys Mae Owens

In Loving Memory Of Gladys Mae Owens was born May 2, 1924, in Water Valley, Mississippi to Robert L. Varnado and Arneida Bouldin Varnado, both born in Mississippi. She was the youngest and only girl in a family of six brothers. When she was born, everyone was eager to name her. As a result, she was named Bennie Gladys Mary Elizabeth Angeline Arneida Vee Varnado after her aunt, both grandmothers, mother and another aunt, respectively. She ended up being called “Gladys Mae”. Gladys’ mother died when she was only two years old and was raised by her father and two stepmothers, Cora, whom she described as being a cruel woman and Claudia (Hon), whom she loved. Her father was a Baptist minister and traveled frequently to other churches in the county. Gladys and her brothers spent summers with their grandfather, aunts and uncles or anyone who was willing to care for them. She attended public schools in Canton, Brookhaven, Hattiesburg and Vicksburg, Mississippi, since the family frequently moved around. In 1942, Gladys enrolled in Alcorn A&M College, graduating with a degree in Home Economics. While there, she fell in love with a picture of Emiel Owens and conversed with him by mail as he was in the Armed Services overseas. He returned home and moved to Detroit to work at Ford Motor company. Emiel sent for Gladys, who was then in Chicago. They married in Detroit, in 1946 and to this union, two boys were born, Jerel and Michael. Gladys loved those “2 little boys”. Gladys retired in 1983 from the City of Detroit after 33 years of service. During those years, she worked as a medical attendant at old Receiving Hospital, as a substitute teacher in the public schools and as a correctional officer at DeHoCo (Detroit House of Corrections). Gladys joined Mt. Olive M.B. Church in 1946 and remained a member until 2016. While a member, she was a Sunday school teacher, choir director and mission member. In 2016, she joined Fellowship Chapel, where she was known as “Mother” Owens. She became known for her quick wit and a hug for anyone who needed one. Gladys loved to sing and passed her love for music to her children. She was an accomplished fund raiser for the Alcorn Alumni Society, Detroit Chapter. Mama Gladys embodied hospitality, creating a welcoming and loving home, not only for her children, but also to all her “adopted” children, neighbors and friends. She loved to travel, going to the gym, watching sports, dancing and listening to the blues. Gladys was kind, generous, and compassionate, who lived a full life. She showed strength and determination, reaching her 100th birthday, which was one of her lifetime goals. Gladys will continue to live in the minds and hearts of all who knew her. She was preceded in death by her parents, (Robert and Arneida Varnado), her brothers, {Robert, Wille, (twins)Alvis and Alva, Ransom and Charles), husband, (Emiel Owens), and companion,(George Ferguson, Jr.). Gladys leaves to cherish her memories: her loving sons, Jerel (Florice), Michael (Frances), grandchildren (Brian Owens, Stacey Owens (Kellie), Michael Owens Jr. (Dawn), Kendra Owens, great-grandchildren (Chase and Carter Owens), a host of nephews and nieces, “adopted “ children, extended family and friends. Her legacy will live on through the memories we hold dear and may they be a source of comfort and inspiration to us all.

Mrs. Gladys Mae Owens

May 2, 1924 - August 27, 2024