A Celebration of Life service for Ima Jean Brasher Owens, 86, of Monroe, Louisiana will be held on Saturday, February 27, 2021 at 11:00 AM at North Crossings Church, 6701 Hwy.165 North, Monroe, Louisiana. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM until the time of service. Officiants will be Pastor Trey Oldham, Pastor Emeritus Ray Owens, and State Pastor Steve Nelson. COVID prevention measures (masks/distancing) will be in place to provide safety to family and friends. Additionally, the service will be live cast at www.northcrossings.com for those unable to attend.
Sister Jean was born in El Dorado, Arkansas on October 2, 1934 and grew up in the Lockhart area of Union Parish and the Fiske Union area of West Carroll Parish. While attending the Beulah Church in West Carroll Parish, she met Rev. Carl R. Owens, and they married in August 1954. The couple moved to West Monroe, Louisiana, and shortly after, she and Carl founded the First Church of God in Monroe, Louisiana. She faithfully and joyfully served as a pastor’s wife and church leader for over sixty years in the following communities: Monroe, Louisiana; Hutchinson, Kansas; San Antonio, Texas; Baton Rouge, Lafayette, and Monterey, Louisiana. Carl and Jean returned to Monroe to retire, where she lived until her passing on Thursday, February 11, 2021.
Jean is preceded in death by her parents Eugene William Brasher, Fannie Pepper Brasher, and brothers, Jewel Brasher, Emon Brasher and Baxter Brasher. She is survived by her husband of sixty-six years, Rev. Carl R. Owens; son, Rev. Ray Owens and wife Dana; daughter, Karen Kennedy; son, Todd Owens and wife, Pennie; and a brother, Talton Brasher and wife, Ann. Grandchildren include: Dr. Brooke Owens Keels (Scott), Rev. Mat Kennedy (Brandy), Jeremy Kennedy (Misty), Megan Owens and Molly Owens as well as five great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, and a host of “adopted” children all over the country.
Sister Jean was a loving Christian lady who was known for her smile, her hugs, genuine love and acceptance of others, and for her listening ear. She had a heart of hospitality, opened her door to anyone, and loved cooking and serving others as well as spending time with family and friends. Jean looked forward to attending church every time the doors were open, cherished worship, and was a faithful prayer warrior. Her love for the outdoors was demonstrated by her beautifully landscaped yard full of plants and flowers.
The family wishes to express appreciation for the love and care provided by Jean’s friend and caregiver, Ann Holcomb, the staff at St. Francis Medical Center, and her “family” at North Crossing Church. In lieu of flowers to honor Sister Jean’s heart, donations may be made to the Outreach Ministries at North Crossings Church.