November 27, 1937 ~ August 3, 2024 (age 86)
Lois Parrish Owens, a beloved retired educator and dedicated community member, passed away peacefully on August 3, 2024, at the age of 87.
Born on November 27, 1937 in Statesboro, Lois was the eldest daughter of Penual and Jessie Mae Parrish. Stability, solidarity, and service were foundations of the Parrish household which resulted in Lois’s excellent work ethic. She graduated from William James High School in 1954 and went on to earn her Bachelor's degree in Education from Savannah State University in 1958 and pursued additional studies at Fayetteville State University.
Lois was united in holy matrimony to Wallace Owens in 1964. Together they reared a son, Donald, and maintained a loving partnership for 53 years before Wallace’s untimely death.
Lois devoted over thirty years of her life to the teaching profession, beginning at Liberty County High School and retiring from the Cumberland County School District in Fayetteville, NC. where she worked as a teacher, mentor, and adviser. Lois believed in the importance of modeling exemplary behavior and conduct. Students and colleagues remember her as a classy and dedicated educator who had a generous heart. In addition to teaching, Lois volunteered countless hours in many capacities to benefit the Fayetteville community. Among other activities, she was a docent at the Fayetteville Museum of Art and at the Cape Fear History Museum. She also proudly served as a certified and court appointed Guardian ad Litem to advocate on behalf of children in foster care.
Upon retirement to Statesboro, Lois became a cherished member of the Statesboro community. She selflessly donated to charitable endeavors, and until her illness, Lois was a devoted member of the Original First African Baptist Church, has served in leadership and on various committees as a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, NAACP, Cobblestone Homeowners Association, and the Sunshine Club. She has also participated in activities with First Baptist Community Choir, Bulloch County Historical Society, and local book clubs. She also enjoyed leisurely trips with a group of close lady friends.
Lois was a joy to her family and family meant a great deal to her. She is preceded in death by her parents; her son, Donald Qwens, her devoted husband, Wallace M. Owens, and brother, Cornell (Gloria) Parrish. She is survived by one aunt, Susie Lee Smith; five sisters: Geraldine (George) Miller, Virginia (Hugh) Harden, Barnell (Julious) Tremble, Velma (Melvin) Smith and Pennye (Hollis) Tremble, and goddaughter, Lise’ Timmons McLaughlin (Julius). Also left to cherish her memories are a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends. Having shaped future generations inside and outside the classroom, Lois leaves a legacy of personal and professional excellence.
A celebration of Lois’s life will be held at Wiseman Mortuary in Fayetteville, North Carolina. However, due to weather restrictions, the date for internment has not been finalized.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ms. Lois (Parrish) Owens, please visit our floral store.
