1939
Willie
2009
Willie Lee Owens, Jr.
April 15, 1939 — March 2, 2009
Willie Lee Owens Jr. known to some as "Little brah", "scooter" to others, and "little Willie" by those special few. Willie was born on April 15th1939 in Linden Texas to his loving parents Willie Lee Owens Sr. and Louise Marva Owens, who he took great care of over the years up until the time God called them home. Willie was the 2nd of two children.
Willie along with his family relocated to Portland, Oregon in 1941 where they resided in Guilds Lake. In 1950 at a young age he joined Mt. Olivet where he was a dedicated member. While at Mt. Olivet Willie served as a member on the greeters board, where he stepped up to be the first male to join the board. Can you imagine being greeted before service by his million dollar smile and compassionate spirit. For he was truly a man after Gods own heart.
Willies education began at Boise-Elliot and later continued through Jefferson High School where he was a graduate of the class of 1957. Willie furthered his education at Portland State University. Throughout his years in school he was an avid football and baseball player who was known for getting in and out quickly when he took to the field; which is how he got the nickname "scooter". Willie also had a love for boxing, even if it meant facing the fella's that were older and taller than him. This was a man small in stature, yet big in heart, and he displayed that in more ways than one.
Although Willie had many hobbies and several activities to fill his day, he managed to find time for love. In 1962 Willie married Barbara Jo King, and to this union God blessed them with 3 beautiful children. Tina Marie Owens, Tamara Y'Vette Owens, and Shawn Lee Owens. Willie was a family man who LOVED his children unconditionally, and he always had an "open-house" policy when it came to his kids.
Willie was no stranger to work. He believed in working hard providing for his family. From shining shoes on Union Avenue, to Portland City Center Parking, and on to Freightliners where he was employed for 34 years and retired as Forman of the paint shop.
No matter the size, big or small, it's what's on the inside that really stands out. When we looked at Willie we saw: A real man, Strong but gentle. A Soldier, on the front line of the battle field. A fighter, giving his all until the end. A loving father, who knew and understood the importance of his role. A provider, a giver, and a true friend. The list could go on and on and on. It sort of makes you wonder…. How could a person so small carry all these great things inside? But he stood up to all of them.
Precious everlasting memories will always belong to his 3 children Tina Owens, Tamara Owens, and Shawn Owens. His memories will also be cherished by Kenya Browder (companion of Shawn), Barbara Owens (former wife) and his 8 grandchildren: Andre Hill, Margaret (Molly) Lawson, Gerry Cunningham, Ebony Holmes, Cherie(Shala) Owens, Joe'ronte Gray, Kee'shawna Owens and Shawnel Owens. 4 great-grandchildren; Taeven, Taeshanique, Jada &Ray'Launi, and his very close cousin Willie Maurice Horsley all of Portland, Oregon. Willie will also be missed by extended family members and friends.
Willie was preceded in death by his parents Willie Sr. and Louise Owens. Also by his brother Morris Edward Owens.
Willie's spirit has gone on but his loving, kindness will never be forgotten. He's standing at the pearly gates with his million dollar smile, waiting to hear those words…. WELL DONE THY GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT, THY GLORIOUS WAREFARE'S HAVE PASSED. THE BATTLES FOUGHT, THE RACE IS WON AND THOU ART CROWNED AT LAST!
Willie along with his family relocated to Portland, Oregon in 1941 where they resided in Guilds Lake. In 1950 at a young age he joined Mt. Olivet where he was a dedicated member. While at Mt. Olivet Willie served as a member on the greeters board, where he stepped up to be the first male to join the board. Can you imagine being greeted before service by his million dollar smile and compassionate spirit. For he was truly a man after Gods own heart.
Willies education began at Boise-Elliot and later continued through Jefferson High School where he was a graduate of the class of 1957. Willie furthered his education at Portland State University. Throughout his years in school he was an avid football and baseball player who was known for getting in and out quickly when he took to the field; which is how he got the nickname "scooter". Willie also had a love for boxing, even if it meant facing the fella's that were older and taller than him. This was a man small in stature, yet big in heart, and he displayed that in more ways than one.
Although Willie had many hobbies and several activities to fill his day, he managed to find time for love. In 1962 Willie married Barbara Jo King, and to this union God blessed them with 3 beautiful children. Tina Marie Owens, Tamara Y'Vette Owens, and Shawn Lee Owens. Willie was a family man who LOVED his children unconditionally, and he always had an "open-house" policy when it came to his kids.
Willie was no stranger to work. He believed in working hard providing for his family. From shining shoes on Union Avenue, to Portland City Center Parking, and on to Freightliners where he was employed for 34 years and retired as Forman of the paint shop.
No matter the size, big or small, it's what's on the inside that really stands out. When we looked at Willie we saw: A real man, Strong but gentle. A Soldier, on the front line of the battle field. A fighter, giving his all until the end. A loving father, who knew and understood the importance of his role. A provider, a giver, and a true friend. The list could go on and on and on. It sort of makes you wonder…. How could a person so small carry all these great things inside? But he stood up to all of them.
Precious everlasting memories will always belong to his 3 children Tina Owens, Tamara Owens, and Shawn Owens. His memories will also be cherished by Kenya Browder (companion of Shawn), Barbara Owens (former wife) and his 8 grandchildren: Andre Hill, Margaret (Molly) Lawson, Gerry Cunningham, Ebony Holmes, Cherie(Shala) Owens, Joe'ronte Gray, Kee'shawna Owens and Shawnel Owens. 4 great-grandchildren; Taeven, Taeshanique, Jada &Ray'Launi, and his very close cousin Willie Maurice Horsley all of Portland, Oregon. Willie will also be missed by extended family members and friends.
Willie was preceded in death by his parents Willie Sr. and Louise Owens. Also by his brother Morris Edward Owens.
Willie's spirit has gone on but his loving, kindness will never be forgotten. He's standing at the pearly gates with his million dollar smile, waiting to hear those words…. WELL DONE THY GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT, THY GLORIOUS WAREFARE'S HAVE PASSED. THE BATTLES FOUGHT, THE RACE IS WON AND THOU ART CROWNED AT LAST!
Visitation
Rose City Funeral Home
5625 Northeast Fremont Street
Portland
,
OR
US
97213-1754
Tuesday, March 10, 2009, 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Service
Mt. Olivet Baptist Church
8501 North Chautauqua Boulevard
Portland
,
OR
USA
97217
Thursday, March 12, 2009, 11:00 AM
Cemetery
Rose City Cemetery
5625 N.E. Fremont St.
Portland
,
OR
US
97213-1754
Thursday, March 12, 2009, 1:00 PM
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