Miss Wilma Jean Owens,  age 70,  went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, April 18, 2015 at approximately 12:45 p.m. at her residence in Lima.

She was born on February 12, 1945 in Lima, Ohio to the union of Wilbur Lee Owens (deceased) and Helen Louise Campbell Owens; her mother survives in Lima.

Wilma graduated from Lima Senior High school, attended The Ohio State University and completed the EKG technician certification at Columbus State Community College.

After living and working in New York and Los Angeles for several years, she returned to Lima and was first employed by the Lima Credit Bureau as a CRT reporter.  She then ventured into and spent over 30 years in Food Service.  She worked as a cook at the Pantry in the American Mall; a banquet waitress and secretary at the ELK's in  Lima, a server at the town Square Cafe` and a server at the Knights of Columbus.

Ms. Owens was a member of St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church where she worked on the Kitchen team.  She was a member of the Sunbeam Choir, and pianist for both the Sunbeam Choir and the Youth Choirs.  She was very active with the Youth of the Church. She was an assistant Children's Sunday school teacher and, also served as an assistant group leader accompanying youth groups to conferences.  She received a certificate for her work as an assistant vacation Bible School Teacher at The Second Baptist church.

Under the tutelage of their mother, Wilma and sister, Bev; known as the Owens Sisters sang/performed at various churches around Ohio for many years.  They were also members of the "Willow Sisters" group that performed at various community venues.

Ms. Owens volunteered at the American Red Cross and the AARP Tax Assistance Service.  She received a certificate from the Citizen's Law Enforcement Academy.

Besides her loving mother she leaves to cherish her precious memory a son; Michael Owens of Columbus, Ohio.  Two grandchildren, Anthony Stattmiller and B. J. Anderson.  A sister;  Beverly A. Thompson of Columbus, Ohio. A sister-in-law; Ona Toles of Columbus, Ohio.  Several nieces, nephews and many relatives and friends.  She will be sadly missed by several "special" friends who were much more like sisters.

She was preceded in death by a son; Billy J. Anderson and a brother-in-law; David Thompson, Jr.

Wilma never lost her faith in God throughout her long, difficult illness.