Mother Josephine King Owens

Josephine King was born on December 20, 1931, in Troy, Alabama, to parents John King and Annie Mae Carter. Although she was the only child of her biological mother, she was raised as a sister to Mr. Jimmy and Mrs. Mary Wright’s nine children. They were a loving and close-knit family. She attended Oakland Heights Elementary and Academy High School. In 1954, Josephine along with several of her siblings moved to Winter Garden, Florida. Shortly after, she returned home to take care of her elderly mother. In 1957, after the death of her mother, she and her children moved back to Winter Garden. Josephine was always a dedicated and hardworking mother, who put the needs and interests of her children rst. During her tenure, she worked as a housekeeper at local hotels. She also worked in the agricultural and citrus industry, working many years for both Luston Long Farm and Zellwin Farm until its closings. Josephine accepted Jesus Christ as her Personal Savior and was baptized at an early age. She was a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Troy, Alabama. Upon returning to Winter Garden in 1957, she united with the Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church, where she served faithfully for 67 years. She was loyal to the Sr. Women Mission and the Golden Angels Ministry. Mother Owens was honored in March of this year, with 10 other senior women for their years of dedicated service to the church and the community. One of her favorite pastimes was reading. She also enjoyed crossword puzzles, FISHING (alone or with a friend), and gardening. Her yard is adorned with a variety of beautiful flowers, plants, and trees. She was a jokester and kept everyone laughing! Her independence was remarkable; she was a trailblazer for her family and her resilience was an example and encouragement to those who adored and loved her. Mother Owens was preceded in death by her Parents: Annie Carter and John King; Daughters: Lena Mae King and Dorothy Jean King Beauford; Great-granddaughter, Joinyle Muiyu; Brothers: Eddie Wright, Sr. and Charles Wright; and Sisters: Willie Mae Collins, Annie Wright, Bessie Rhodes, Mattie P. Blair, Louise McCall, and Minnie Lee Warren. She leaves cherished memories with her loving Children: Freddie C. King (Gloria), Annie Marie King, Jacqueline Sweeting (Reginald), Rose Mary Reeves (Willie C.), Jacob Brunson, Jr. (Alberdeen), Tyrone Brunson, and Pastor Willie King (Rose); Brother, Willie C. Wright, Sr.; 23 Grandchildren, 68 Great Grandchildren, and 28 Great-Great Grandchildren; devoted Nieces, Pamela Reynolds and Neddie Watkins; devoted Nephews: Craig McCall and Thomas Brunson; a host of other loving nieces, nephews, other loving relatives, and many sorrowing friends.

Tributes

Mother Josephine King Owens

December 20, 1931 - December 1, 2024