Biography:

Deacon Willie Owens was born August 13th, 1931 in Branchville, South Carolina. The beloved son of the late Jessie and Lillie Owens and the beloved brother to late sisters Ruth Owens Beckwith, Doshia Owens Shuler, Thelma Owens Mcqueen, Dora Owens Page, and late brother Louis Owens. He departed his life on Thursday June 8th, 2023 in Long Island, NY.

Willie was educated in schools between Branchville and Loris South Carolina until the 12th grade.

Willie was an honorable member of the United States Army between the years of 1954-1956 during the Korean Conflict. He was stationed in NY. He was a decorated Specialist Third Class with the National Defense Service Medal, Army Occupational Medal (G) and the Good Conduct Medal. After an Honorable Discharge from service, Willie began his career with Pan American Airline for 25 years along with a plethora of other professions  in the Hospitality Industry until ultimately retiring in the 1990’s.

Willie enjoyed spending time with family and friends, and enjoyed being involved in the Sojourner Truth AME Zion church for over 50 years where he was Pastor Steward, Chairperson of the trustee’s board, Chairperson of the Steward board, and Exalter. He was also a proud member of Central star lodge #18 Masons.

Willie was a loving husband for 60 plus years to his wife Barbara Owens with whom he wed September 6th 1958 and resided in St. Albans, New York.

Those who loved Willie knew him to be a strong, sweet, hardworking man who would do anything for the people he loved. In addition to his firm handshake and his prominent catch phrase “As the guy says” he welcomed all with open arms and loved from the bottom of his heart. We were all blessed to have experienced the presence of a wonderful man.

In addition to his wife Barbara, he leaves his precious memories to his three daughters Sharon(Michael) Owens-Coston, Gail (Andre) Owens Cox, and Annie Craig and Late son Master Sergeant Kirt (Diane) Douglas Cogdell , Sixteen Grandchildren, Retanya (Vincent) Collier, Corey Coston, Maurice Coston, Dominieque(Alfonso) Coston-Williams, Steven(Jasmine) Craig, Brandon(Nicole) Owens, Catherine Coston, Andreaia (Avalon) Coston-Rogers, Kirt (Ashanti) Douglas Cogdell, Kevin Cogdell, Kimberly(Will) Nobles, Justin Cox, Jason Cox, Joshua(Manpreet) Cox, Jeremy Cox, and Camille Hodges; as well as 27 great grand children and a host of nieces, nephews, loving relatives and dear friends who miss him dearly.