Virginia Owens

On Wednesday evening, Virginia Hope Page Owens, age 92, of Wilson, slipped into the loving arms of Jesus surrounded by her family. She was very dearly loved by her family, who will greatly miss her sweet smile, her gentle demeanor, and her deep appreciation for the wonderful things in life, both large and small. She always took great pride and joy in all her family and loved hearing about every accomplishment and milestone of their lives.

Funeral, Saturday, 2:00 PM at Owens Chapel FWB Church, followed by visitation. Burial, Mack Owens Family Cemetery, 6269 Webb Lake Rd, Elm City.

She was predeceased by her husband of 53 years, Mack J. Owens who died in 2007; parents, Floyd and Dovie Page; sister, Elsie Page Batchelor; brother, Thomas F. Page; and infant great-grandson, Cooper David Martin.

She is survived by her daughters, Diane Walston (David) with whom she lived and Vivian Ricks (Garland) of Wilson; grandchildren, Hope Walston Martin (Rich) of Apex, Jeff Walston and Aaron Walston (Mallory) both of Elm City, and Jennifer Ricks Shingleton (Will) of Durham; great-grandchildren, Andrew Martin, Davis Martin, Luke Walston, Chase Walston, and Virginia (Ginny) Shingleton; also survived by step-grandchildren, Tom Ricks (Andi) of Charlotte and their sons, Charles and Shepherd, Geoff Ricks (Susan) of Davidson and their sons, Cooper and Marshall.

She graduated from Rock Ridge High School (class of 1951) and went to work for Dr. Josephine Melchior. After her marriage to Mack and the birth of their two daughters, she later worked for Dr. Eugene Neeland.

Virginia was a long-time faithful member of Owens Chapel OFWB Church, teaching various classes and ages in Sunday School for several years and serving as a past church clerk and treasurer. She loved her church dearly and always enjoyed attending services there. She especially appreciated the hymns, which brought her great joy and comfort.

She took great pleasure in watching birds at her feeders (hummingbirds were a particular favorite), working in her yard, and putting together puzzles with her family. She was a great fan of nature shows and never missed watching Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy every night. A favorite pastime was playing cards with her family, especially rummy. She enjoyed animals and especially loved cuddling with cats and feeding goats in the backyard pasture.

Virginia’s deep faith in God sustained her throughout her life. She left a beautiful Christian legacy for her family to follow and lean on throughout their lives.

Memorials are suggested to Owens Chapel FWB Church in care of Penny Cuddington, 7263 Gardner's School Rd, Stantonsburg, NC 27883.

Arrangements by Wilson Memorial Service, 2811 Fieldstream Dr. N, Wilson, 252-237-7171, www.wilsonmemorialservice.com