In Memory Of
Rev. Lee Owens Sr.
1941
2023
Rev. Lee Owens Sr.
January 27, 1941 — April 22, 2023
Rev. Willie Lee Owens Sr. was born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama on January 27, 1941, to the late Sylvester and Emma M. Owens (Johnson). He was the third oldest of six children. Rev. Willie Owens accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Tabernacle Baptist Church in Tuscaloosa, AL under the late Rev E.J. James.
In his hometown of Tuscaloosa, AL he found his soulmate and lifelong partner Royal Jean Johnson and united in holy matrimony on February 3, 1959, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Willie and Royal have 4 beautiful children Lawanna, Timothy, Lavinia, and Willie Jr.
Willie and Royal moved to Cincinnati, OH in April of 1967 and made this their home until he was called home to be with the Lord on April 22, 2023.
On January 26th,1969, he joined Zion Hope Missionary Baptist Church by Christian experience under the late Rev. Stanford Anthony.
Rev Willie Lee Owens was called to preach in 1977 and received his ministry license on May 8th, 1977, by the late Rev J.D. White. He was ordained on July 20, 1984, under the pastoral leadership of Pastor Benny Strayhorn.
Willie was known to many people as "Baba" but to his family he was affectionately known as "Dada".
Willie was a Trustee for Zion Hope Missionary Baptist Church and served as a member of the male chorus. He was a member of the Four Allstars Male Chorus. In his spare time Willie enjoyed fishing, cheering on his favorite baseball team the Cincinnati Reds either on the screen or listening to the radio. Willies' other pastime hobbies included watching westerns and talk shows. Willie also loved Bar-B-Queuing and sharing his prized ribs and homemade sauce with his family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents Sylvester and Emma M. Owens, his grandson, Cinsere Owens, his brothers, Sylvester Owens, Jr., and Alfred Owens, along with his half-brothers Willie James Bell, and Jessie James Bell.
Willie is survived by his beloved Wife, Royal J. Owens (Johnson) of 64 years; His children, Lawanna F. Walton (Robert), Timothy A. Owens (Michelle), Lavinia Y. Owens, Willie D. Owens, Jr., His grandchildren, Timothy J. Owens (Ronika), Desiree J. Owens, Antwan J. Owens (Faheemah), Rakim G. Smith, Cameron J. Owens, Rakeym I.M. Owens, Divine J. Owens, LeAsia J. Owens, Jaylynn T. Caldwell, Angelo J. Owens, Geoffrey Stillwell and 11 Great Grandchildren. Three sisters, Margaret Watson, Jessie Ruth Owens, Mary Ann Warren; a sister-in-law Jacqueline Taylor (Robert) and a brother-in-law Matthew Horton (Cynthia), a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends. He also leaves behind bonus families that include the Waltons', and the Stillwell's. Willie also enjoyed the company of his dear friends and neighbors Terrance Brown and Alfonso Ramirez.
To share a memory of Willie or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.
Time and date of service to be determined, updates to follow.
In his hometown of Tuscaloosa, AL he found his soulmate and lifelong partner Royal Jean Johnson and united in holy matrimony on February 3, 1959, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Willie and Royal have 4 beautiful children Lawanna, Timothy, Lavinia, and Willie Jr.
Willie and Royal moved to Cincinnati, OH in April of 1967 and made this their home until he was called home to be with the Lord on April 22, 2023.
On January 26th,1969, he joined Zion Hope Missionary Baptist Church by Christian experience under the late Rev. Stanford Anthony.
Rev Willie Lee Owens was called to preach in 1977 and received his ministry license on May 8th, 1977, by the late Rev J.D. White. He was ordained on July 20, 1984, under the pastoral leadership of Pastor Benny Strayhorn.
Willie was known to many people as "Baba" but to his family he was affectionately known as "Dada".
Willie was a Trustee for Zion Hope Missionary Baptist Church and served as a member of the male chorus. He was a member of the Four Allstars Male Chorus. In his spare time Willie enjoyed fishing, cheering on his favorite baseball team the Cincinnati Reds either on the screen or listening to the radio. Willies' other pastime hobbies included watching westerns and talk shows. Willie also loved Bar-B-Queuing and sharing his prized ribs and homemade sauce with his family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents Sylvester and Emma M. Owens, his grandson, Cinsere Owens, his brothers, Sylvester Owens, Jr., and Alfred Owens, along with his half-brothers Willie James Bell, and Jessie James Bell.
Willie is survived by his beloved Wife, Royal J. Owens (Johnson) of 64 years; His children, Lawanna F. Walton (Robert), Timothy A. Owens (Michelle), Lavinia Y. Owens, Willie D. Owens, Jr., His grandchildren, Timothy J. Owens (Ronika), Desiree J. Owens, Antwan J. Owens (Faheemah), Rakim G. Smith, Cameron J. Owens, Rakeym I.M. Owens, Divine J. Owens, LeAsia J. Owens, Jaylynn T. Caldwell, Angelo J. Owens, Geoffrey Stillwell and 11 Great Grandchildren. Three sisters, Margaret Watson, Jessie Ruth Owens, Mary Ann Warren; a sister-in-law Jacqueline Taylor (Robert) and a brother-in-law Matthew Horton (Cynthia), a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends. He also leaves behind bonus families that include the Waltons', and the Stillwell's. Willie also enjoyed the company of his dear friends and neighbors Terrance Brown and Alfonso Ramirez.
To share a memory of Willie or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.
Time and date of service to be determined, updates to follow.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Rev. Lee Owens Sr., please visit our flower store.
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