Biography: Robert Lee Owens, affectionately known as “Boot,” was born in Barnwell, South Carolina on December 1, 1937 to the proud parents of O. D. Roundtree and Jane Owens. Robert a loving husband and father, passed away on July 5, 2019 surrounded by loved ones. He was the fourth of ten children, seven of whom preceded him in death.
He was educated in the Barnwell, South Carolina school system. He later moved to New York City where he met and married his beloved wife, Neomi. They celebrated 60 years of marriage on February 21st of this year. Robert was retired from the silk printing business, where he dedicated over 30 years of service.
Robert was a member of Sweet Water Baptist Church in Barnwell, South Carolina until he moved to New York City. There he joined Fountain Spring Baptist Church of the Bronx where he was baptized and served on the usher board for many years.
Robert loved his family and was a devoted family man his entire life. He always greeted his loved ones with an infectious smile or a witty joke and was fondly known as the “go-to” person for many in his life.
He leaves to cherish his memory his wife Neomia Owens of Bronx, NY, his five children Robert (Sylvia) Brown of Bronx, NY, Denise (Kenneth) Generette or Johnsonville, SC, Janet Owens of Bronx, NY, Michael Brown of Bronx, NY, Pamela Owens of Bronx, NY. He leaves seven grandchildren Clarence (Elisabeth) Owens of Winston-Salem, NC. Robert K. Brown Jr, Kenneth A. Generette, Lionel Monsanto Jr, Nyiek Brown, Nia Brown and Kianna Generette and nine great grandchildren Dijon Allen-Owens, Kwanasia Brown, Tiani Brown, Jayla Brown, Nylah Brown, Kayleigh Generette, Khloe Generette, Kenneth A. Generette III and Siya Dawson. He also leaves two sisters Alma Owens of Bronx, NY and Mae (Donald) Bush of Bronx, NY and one sister-in-law Ora Lee Bishop of Hemmingway, SC. He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and loving friends.