Mrs. Thelma Florene Heath Owen, age 97, a resident of Washington, passed away Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018, at River Trace Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

A funeral service will be 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 27, 2018, at 15th Street Church of God and will be conducted by Pastor Randy Wallace, Al Taylor, Steve Watters and Pastor Shad Watters. Burial will follow in Oakdale Cemetery.

Mrs. Owen was born Aug. 14, 1921, in Johnson County to the late William James Heath and Nancy Flora Barbour. On Oct. 21, 1939, she married Norman Bennie Owen, who preceded her in death on July 29, 2002. She was employed with Latham’s Shoe Store, Lu-Henri Shoe Store, Friendly Shopping Center and The Shoe Box. Mrs. Owen was a member of 15th Street Church of God and the Red Hat Society.

Survivors include her daughter, Vivian Owen Beasley and husband Gary, of Lecanto, Florida; her sister, Verna Owen, of Chesapeake, Virginia; eight grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by four brothers, Elton Heath, Rom Heath, Freeman Heath, Alvin Heath; and four sisters, Adell Harvey, Mary Hamm, Vera Barbour and Melma Wallace.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Covenant Community Church, 3078 U.S. Highway 17 North, Washington, NC 27889.

You may address condolences to the family by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com.

Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington is honored to serve the Owen family.