Wilma Jean Owens

Wilma Jean “Mimi” Owens, 90 years of age, celebrated her joyful entry into heaven’s courts at 6:36 a.m. on Tuesday, August 18, 2026.  In 2024, she was preceded in her homecoming by her husband of almost 69 years, James Clifford Owens. Just prior to her passing, she celebrated her 90th birthday with family and friends at her “apartment” at NHC Cavette Hill. The family would like to extend a special thank you to her Nanny for Granny, Kristin Williams. Born in La Follette, TN on July 27, 1936, to Dennis and Siota Gaylor, she was the eldest of three sisters. Her childhood years reflected the challenging life of a poor Appalachian farm family. Upon attending Lafollette High School, she met her future husband, Clifford. During the early years of their marriage, Wilma worked as a seamstress. With the birth of her first son, Allen, she became a stay-at-home mom. Three years later, she gave birth to her second son, Tom.  As her sons grew older, her mother role seemed to grow also as her house became a haven for her children’s neighborhood friends and church youth groups. Likewise, her faith and spiritual service to her church and prayer groups grew to become a regular part of life in the Owens’ household.  After her sons left home, the doors of her house were opened to numerous children as a place of childcare for working parents.

Wilma is survived by her two sisters, Doris Hubbard and Joyce Baker; sons Allen (Pam) Owens and Tom (Leigh) Owens; grandchildren include, Linda Jones, Lydia Stewart, Allison Colvin and Logan Owens; great-grandchildren include, Ariel Jones and Lily Colvin.

The family will receive friends 5:00pm - 7:00pm, Friday, August 21, 2026 at Mynatt Funeral Home Powell Chapel with a funeral Service to follow at 7:00pm. Family and friends will meet at 10:45am on Saturday, August 22, 2026 at Sherwood Memorial Gardens for an 11:00am interment service.

Mynatt Funeral Home Powell Chapel is honored to be serving the family of Wilma Jean Owens.

Mynatt Funeral Home Powell Chapel * 2000 Powell Drive * Powell, TN 37849 * (865) 362-5382 * www.mynattfh.com