Celebration of Life Services will be convened at the Asbury United Methodist Church, 704 5th Street, Natchitoches, LA 71457 Wednesday, February 12, 2014, 11:00 a. m. with burial following in the Lawrence Serenity Sanctum. The remains will lie in state at the church on Wednesday from 9:00 a. m. to service time.

Mrs. Edith Gary Owens returned to the loving presence of her God on Thursday, February 6, 2014 in Shreveport, LA. True to her spirit she was born on July 04, Independence Day of 1932, the daughter of the late Simon and Alfra Williams Gary. She is preceded in death by her husband Overton "Dr. Drip" Owens, and brothers Carvin Gary and Samuel Gary.
As a child, Edith and her family worshipped at Williams Chapel Methodist Church before moving to Natchitoches and joining Asbury United Methodist Church Natchitoches where she remained a faithful member until her death. Edith distinguished herself as a long time member and officer of the Sanctuary Choir, United Methodist Women and as a hostess of church's Green Leaf Tea. Her education was received at the hands of instructors in the Natchitoches Parish Public School System where she graduated with Class of 1950 before continuing for a period at Grambling State University.
Edith's professional life began as a Beautician graduating from Tyler Texas Beauty College. She later began a career as a Library Professional at Northwestern State University's Watson Library for over 22 years. Her winning smile and laughing eyes welcomed scores of students into the library. She thoroughly enjoyed reading detective novels and loved the poetry of Maya Angelou. There was no greater fan of football and she rarely missed a game.
In November of 1950, Edith united in Holy Matrimony with the late Overton "Dr. Drip" Owens and, to this union, two children were born, Jean Esther Owens Simmons and Randy Owens (Joann). Almighty God also saw fit that they should raise their grandson Tony in their Christian home.

Left to celebrate precious memories are her children Jean and Randy; 6 grandchildren , Antonio "Tony" Demars, Yolanda Simmons, Denita Owens, Deundra Owens, Darnisha Hamm (Joshua) of Natchitoches LA; 10 great grandchildren Robert Griffin, Artrell Griffin, Charles Coleman, DeAndre Taylor, Zaniyah Taylor, McKenzie Conant, Makayla Hamm, Connor Hamm, Caitlin Hamm, and Joshua Hamm, Jr. She is also survived by her devoted sisters Vialeen Gay (James) of Natchitoches LA and Nancy Evans of Houston, TX and sisters-in-law Mary Gary and Myrtle Gary of Houston, TX. She also leaves a large and wonderful host of other relatives and loving friends.