Joanne E. Owens

September 22, 1931 - November 26, 2009
Joanne E. Owens


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Joanne E. Owens, 78, passed away November 26, 2009 in Wilmington. NC, from complications from a sudden illness.

She was born September 21, 1931 in Washington, DC the daughter of the late George Reed and Flora Reed Kent. She moved to Wilmington in 1970.

She is survived by her loving husband of 40 years Albert R. Owens, her children Sandra Leser and husband Eric Leser of Wilmington, Bonnie Shook of Peru, NY, Larry Southall of Elon, NC and Terry McCloud of Wilmington, two stepchildren Albert Owens, Jr and Judy Owens, grandchildren Shannon Duboise of Wilmington and Andrea Shook of Leland, great grandchildren Trenton and Cayden Duboise and Hunter Shook and her cat Annie.

Joanne was a loving wife and mother. She was also a second mother to hundreds of children in New Hanover County as a school bus driver and monitor for the past 35 years. She had a special love for her bus chidren and co-workers. She was loved and will be missed by many.

A service will be held 10:00 am, Wednesday, December 2, 2009 at Calvary Chapel, 2831 Carolina Beach Road.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Friends of Felines, P.O. Box 475, Castle Hayne, NC 28429

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  • November 28, 2009
    Bob & Betsy McInnis says:
    Joanne and I grew up as next door neighbors in Wheaton, Maryland. Our parents were great friends and Joanne's mother was like a surrogate Mom to my sister and I (always there for us, when our mother was working). We've been close in our hearts ever since (although we lived a distance apart). We visited Wilmington two years ago and spent a short time with Joanne & Buddy. Joanne was remarkable in that she had long since passed the usual retirement age, but she loved working on school buses with the children, so she continued to work. Joanne was also devoted to her pets and her children and husband, Buddy. She was so much like her mother, enjoying pets and gardening. I am so sorry that I can't come to her service Wednesday, but please know that Bob & I will be there in spirit with Buddy and Joanne's children. Joanne was one of a kind and we know how much she will be missed by her family and friends. Buddy said it best when he said she was definitely in a better place, given the sudden illness and what it did to her. Be blessed. She will live on in our hearts! Love, Betsy Dillard McInnis

  • November 29, 2009
    Lissa Coley says:
    Bonnie, Andrea, Buddy and family, We are sorry for your loss. She was was a very special mom and grandmother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love, Lissa, Warren, Brian, Brittni, Hunter, Melissa, Deb, Russ, Teena, Jsmie, Erica and Virginia Shook.

  • December 08, 2009
    Sallie says:
    Mrs Owens was a sweet,loving woman! I always enjoyed my visits with you 2 with our monthly Appointments.My Heart goes out to you,Mr. Owens!I know Annie misses her a lot!!