Joan Thelma Owens was born on July 5 1943 in , Gamboa, Canal Zone, Panama, to Bernadette Phyllis Campbell and Carlton Reginald Francis. She was the fourth of five children and grew up in a home where faith, self-reliance, family and love were central. From an early age she was known for taking care of younger members of her family, worked in her god mother’s bakery and airy Queen, played the drums in her high school’s marching band, and was an excellent seamstress, making clothes just like her Uncle Andrew.

In April 1965, at the age of 22, Joan married Elmer Leroy Owens, Jr.  in Our Lady Guadalupe Church. Together they built a home rooted in love, faith, and responsibility. They were blessed with four children: Zelda (known as Samara), Dietra, Zulieka, and Alaric. Joan and Leroy shared 48 years of marriage until his passing in 2014, walking through many seasons of life side by side. 

Joan later became a proud grandmother to 12 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild: Keeyana Washington, Kai Waters, Kira Waters, Jada Washington, Campbell Waters, Ashaya Middleton, Zachariah Middleton, Jace Owens, Zariah Spriggs-Owens, Sarah Middleton, Turi Owens-Spriggs, Bryce Owens, and Javion Johnson. To them she was Grandmommy, the one who cooked the best meals while she hosted family gatherings, did homework help with her grandchildren afterschool, attended performances and recitals, and told stories of her life and family in Panama. Her home was a gathering place where everyone knew they would find her watching one of her favorite shows or dancing to her favorite music.

A woman of deep and enduring faith, Joan was a long time member for almost 60 years of St Charles Borromeo Church in Harlem. She was a dedicated Rosarians, ran the Hospitality Fellowship Room with her family, and found joy in worship, the various choirs and Mass. She believed strongly in Catholic principles which she in turn taught her children, for example the power of prayer, forgiveness, generosity and lived out that belief by for instance baking cakes, feeding hungry families, caring for elders, giving generously to St. Charles and  encouraging others.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, E.Leroy Owens, Jr., who passed in 2014.

Joan’s earthly journey has ended, but her love, lessons, and prayers remain. Her family takes comfort in knowing that she is at peace and resting in the presence of the Lord whom she faithfully served.