Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Deacon Alvin Owens

CELEBRATING

HUSBAND | FATHER | GRANDFATHER TEACHER | FRIEND

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MISS ME BUT LET ME GO When I come to the end of the road And the sun has set on me, I want no rites in a gloom filled room, Why cry for a soul set free?

Miss me a little--but not too long, And not with your head bowed low, Remember the love that we once shared, Miss me--but let me go.

For this is a journey that we all must take, And each must go alone.

It’s all a part of the Master’s plan, A step on the road to home.

When you are lonely and sick of heart, Go to the friends we know.

And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds, Miss me--but let me go.

By: Unknown

ORDER OF WORSHIP MUSICAL PRELUDE PROCESSIONAL Clergy, Leaders, Ministries, Family & Friends OLD TESTAMENT: JOB 19:25-27 NEW TESTAMENT: 1 THESSALONIANS 4:13-18 Dr. Jeffrey Smith PRAYER OF COMFORT Bishop Bill Burrell OPENING SELECTION GBC Celebration Choir REFLECTIONS Deacon David Sheppard Deacon Herbert Hartwell & Deacon Glenn Savage Dr. Anita Owens & Kevin Owens SILENT READING OF THE OBITUARY Tribute Montage ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Tinisha Williams MUSICAL SELECTION GBC Celebration Choir THE EULOGY “The Punch Line: Laughter to Live By” Matthew 13:34-35; 1 Corinthians 15:54b KJV

Bishop Dwight S. Riddick, Sr. - D. Min HYMN GBC Celebration Choir RECESSIONAL Clergy, Leaders, Ministries, Family & Friends

A LIFE OF WISDOM CELEBRATED DEACON ALVIN OWENS March 30, 1937 - November 18, 2023

In the quietude of the early morning of Saturday, November 18, 2023, the earthly journey of Deacon Alvin Owens gracefully transitioned to embrace and receive his heavenly reward. He was born into this world on March 30, 1937, in the heart of South Norfolk, VA, to the late James and Georgia Owens. Deacon Owens' narrative unfolds as a testament to a life well-lived, marked by faith, service, and a profound impact on those fortunate enough to share his journey.

Before the indelible mark he left on the spiritual landscape, Alvin Owens emerged as a promising figure within the Norfolk Public School System, graduating with distinction from George Washington Carver High School in 1955. In addition to serving as the Senior Class Vice-President, he showcased his athletic prowess by executing the position of center on the basketball team, which set the stage for a lifetime of dedication and leadership.

The call to serve his country beckoned, leading young Alvin Owens to enlist in the United States Air Force in 1956. Throughout his distinguished military career, he earned accolades such as the Joint Service Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal,

Air Force Good Conduct Medal, and the Defense Meritorious Service Medal.

After an illustrious journey in the United States Air Force, he retired as a Senior Master Sergeant in 1984. Alvin Owens seamlessly transitioned to civilian life, contributing his talents to the Department of the Army Civil Service at Ft. Eustis, VA until his retirement in 1998.

Beyond the military and civil service realms, Deacon Owens' spiritual compass guided him to Gethsemane Baptist Church, Newport News, VA where he dedicated himself to various roles: usher, member of male chorus, church school teacher, prayer leader, and Chairman of the Deacon's Ministry. His commitment to his family, faith and community became a cornerstone to his legacy.

Deacon Alvin Owens was not just a decorated veteran and devoted christian; he was a multifaceted individual, leaving an indelible imprint as a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. Anyone graced by his presence experienced not only random acts of kindness but also words of encouragement, his signature corny jokes, and unsolicited yet invaluable advice.

“TNT: TAIN’T NOTHING TO IT” -OWENS A connoisseur of knowledge, Deacon Owens showcased his brilliance as a trivia wiz. Known as a Jeopardy Champion by his family, he effortlessly answered questions posed during each television episode. His leisure pursuits included quality time with family, rounds of Spades, shooting pool with his sons, and an unwavering commitment to studying the Word of God. He found joy in the simplicity of life, from enjoying a good western and the History Channel to passionately supporting the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Los Angeles Dodgers. He took life in stride as he walked with the West Hampton Track Walkers at Lindsay Middle School each morning.

His enduring legacy is one of service, love, and respect, intertwined with cherished memories that will forever resonate within the hearts of those he leaves behind. Survived by his devoted wife of 62 years, Polly, and their children Jesse, Jeffrey, Carolyn, Cheryl, Ronald (Doris), Anita, and Kevin (Charlnette), also left to celebrate precious memories are brothers Roland (Emma), Joseph, and Gary Owens.

Additionally, he is survived by a multitude of loved ones, including 15 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews who held a special place in his heart.

OWENS-ISMS: “LOOK AT THIS RAY OF BEAUTY” “AS OLD AS I AM, I ONLY HAVE TWO MOVES; IN AND OUT THE BED.” “ABC DELICIOUS” “CHUMP A LUMP” “PEOPLE ARE SUPPOSED TO HAVE COMMON SENSE BUT COMMON SENSE IS NOT TO COMMON.”

AN EVERLASTING LOVE

THE OWENS FAMILY

LETTERS FROM THE HEART

Dear Grandpa, You were many things to many people but to me you were my best friend, my favorite person, my confidant. I could talk to you about anything. Our birthday's were 9 days apart and we were born in the year of the "7's". You taught me and showed me what it means to be a true follower of Christ. I cherish all of the memories and field trips we've had over the last 26 years. I miss you so much but I will continue to make you proud.

Love, Melia Miller My Grandfather was always full of joy and kindness. He made anyone feel like family. He always knew what to say in times of crisis. He kept you laughing even though some of his jokes weren't as funny lol, but it still made you smile. He was full of life. He was a man of integrity when it came to his church family and immediate family. I appreciated the love he always showed me, the hugs he always gave me, and the kindness he always taught me.

I love you Grandaddy, Krystal Owens Everyone who has ever interacted with my grandfather may have had their own unique relationship with him, but there are qualities that my grandfather carried that we all know to be true of him. He was wise, funny, caring, charismatic and consistent.

As a young high school student I remember my grandfather saying to me that “you cannot control what people do or say to you, but you can always control how you react to it.” Those words always stuck with me throughout my life, and until this day I try my best to live by them.

He not only said those words, but he lived them. I have never seen my grandfather get out of character once, no matter what. He always remained calm, kind and stoic in everything he did or said. In addition, I always admired the way my grandfather always actively cared for people, and his community.

Grandaddy we will miss you, but we will forever be grateful for the time we shared with you and the exemplary life you lived by.

Love you always, Ashlei

OWENS THE SERVICEMAN “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends.”

PALLBEARERS

Kevin Owens Jeffrey Simmons Jermaine Owens Darrin Riddick-Davis Jessie Simmons James McCrae, Sr. FLORAL BEARERS

West Hampton Track Walkers Deaconess of Gethsemane Baptist Church

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The family gratefully acknowledges the many heartfelt expressions of sympathy and love shown during our time of bereavement. To the Gethsemane Family, thank you for loving and supporting Deacon Owens. He truly loved the Lord and his Church Family.

INTERMENT

Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery 5310 Milners Road Suffolk, VA 23434

“STAY WITH THE LORD AND STUDY TO SHOW YOURSELF APPROVED.” -OWENS

“HIS LORD SAID UNTO HIM, WELL DONE, THOU GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT...”

-MATTHEW 25:21A