Evangeline Elizabeth Owens-Edwards

Missionary Evangeline Elizabeth Edwards, affectionately known as “Momma Van” entered her eternal rest with the Lord on February 2, 2026, at the age of 91, in Gary, Indiana.
Born on June 30, 1934, in Chicago, Illinois, to Supt. Jason and Mother Blanche Owens, Evangeline was one of seven children raised in a family anchored in faith, discipline, and determination. The Owens family eventually settled in Gary, Indiana, where she would plant deep roots and build a life defined by purpose and devotion. She graduated from Frobel High School, Class of 1952, and continued her studies at Purdue University-Hammond and Roosevelt University in 1956.
As a lifelong learner, determined to sharpen her skills, Evangeline completed advanced training in secretarial speedwriting and pursued studies in medical terminology and anatomy at the University of Illinois. She served in administrative and medical secretarial roles at Presbyterian-St. Luke's Hospital and later as a supervising secretary at Michael Reese Hospital. She also contributed her talents within a medical division in New York and concluded her career as an apprentice pharmacist in Gary. In every position, she brought precision and grace earning the respect of her colleagues.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Evangeline’s heartbeat was most strongly for ministry. Her faith was the foundation of her life. A devoted servant of the Lord, Evangeline walked boldly in her calling as an anointed teacher, evangelist, prophetess, poet, psalmist, and musician. She loved the Lord with her whole heart and poured that love into His people. She faithfully served on the Mothers’ Board in her local church, as District Missionary in Memorial District (later changed to Winfred Williams), and advisor on the Missionary Licensing Board of Examiners within C.O.G.I.C. Historic First Jurisdiction of Indiana. As a pillar in her church and family, her words offered wisdom, prayer, and steadfast leadership. She believed wholeheartedly that education and faith walk hand in hand, and she modeled that belief daily through study, service, and worship. Her Faith was unwavering, her prayers powerful, and her life a reflection of God's grace.
Evangeline Owens married the love of her life, Jesse Edwards, on May 5, 1973, in Gary, Indiana. Over the years, they served together in ministry, working faithfully at Tabernacle C.O.G.I.C., where her father served as Pastor. In 1981, after the transition of her father, the family would join Williams Chapel C.O.G.I.C., building up the Kingdom of God. Their lives reflected true love, commitment, and devotion for 45 years.
Gifted as an organist, pianist, and vocalist, she used her talents to glorify God and enrich her church community. Music was not simply something she did, it was part of who she was. She poured that passion into her grandchildren, carefully cultivating their musical gifts and teaching them that what we do in life is to the glory of God. As a mother and grandmother, Evangeline embodied patience, intentional love, and strength. Her wisdom guided, her love protected, and her presence felt like home.
Evangeline leaves to cherish her precious memory; her children, Roosevelt , Larry(Amelia), Jerry, Bobby(Toya), Cathy (Randolph d.2020) Dillon , Edison, Ortney Sr. (Leiliani) and her "baby girl" Audrey (Michael) Harrison who lovingly and selflessly cared for her until her final days, her sisters-in-Love, Gloria and Vern Owens, her 42 grandchildren, 54 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, treasured friends, and her beloved church family.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters, Dorothy (Bishop Mark H.) Blade, Lillian Sims, Cecelia (George) Clark; her brothers Hubert Owens, and Timothy Owens, Titus Owens; her son Alchester, and her beloved husband and soulmate, Jesse Edwards, with whom she now rejoices in eternal rest.
While we grieve her absence, we celebrate a life well lived, one marked by faith, music, service, and unwavering love. Her legacy is woven into every life she touched.
“Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”— Matthew 25:23
Visitation, Saturday, February 21, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. -11:00 a.m. with funeral service to follow at 11:00 a.m. All services at Williams Chapel 2201 Tennessee Street Gary, Indiana 46407. Anthony K. Williams Pastor and Ortney R. Edwards Sr. Officiating. Interment Evergreen Memorial Park.