Nellie Absher Owens

Nellie Absher "Mama Nell" Owens

Nellie Absher Owens "Mama Nell" was born on April 29, 1929 to Joe and Elzie Crawford Absher of Antioch. She was the third of five daughters. Being the middle child, she not only had to work in the field, but help care for her two younger siblings. She learned to cook at a young age, helping her mom and dad feed the family. She grew up in Antioch community where she met and later married Delmer Owens on July 27, 1945. On October 6, 1946, they welcomed their only son, Barry Owens, into the world on. He was the apple of their eye. Needless to say, he was spoiled!

In 1955, Delmer and Nell opened the Dime Store in Fyffe. It was opened from 1955 to 1965. Delmer had announced his call to preach in 1954. He began pastoring churches from 1955 to 1990. He pastored at Antioch Baptist Church, to which her grandfather, Elijah Crawford, founded in 1883. Antioch was where she attended church most of her life. She taught Sunday school to many and loved to sing in the choir. In 1965, they gained a daughter-in-law when Barry married Barbara Johnson. They gave birth to three beautiful children. Whom Mama Nell also spoiled!

Mama Nell went to work at Van Husen in 1965. She continued there until the early 1970's. When she left there, she went to work at Grenoble Mills. She worked various jobs until she was promoted to plant manager. She remained there until the mid-1980's and from there she went to work with her sister Florene at the Carpet Center in Rainsville until the mid-90's. Later, her sister decided to sell the Carpet Center. Mama Nell went to work at Barry's BBQ, where she made the best peach cobbler you could put into your mouth. Delmer died April 12,1994, leaving her a widow for 31 years. She continued to work at Barrys BBQ until 2016. She worked there until she became physically unable to work. However, her stubborn self-needed encouragement to even keep her out of the restaurant. Afterwards, she did continue to garden with the help of her family.

Mama Nell was a wife, mother, and grandmother but most of all she was a Christian. She loved the Lord with all of her heart and was never ashamed to share her faith. She always kept a Bible by her side table, where you would often find her reading when you popped over for a visit.

Mama Nell was the perfect example of a Provers 31 Woman mixed with a little stubbornness and a whole lot of sass. She would go from loving on you one minute to providing the Godly discipline she knew you needed whether you wanted to hear it or not. Only God knows how many prayers went up for her family over the years. I pray that I can have the Godly influence and character that she has shown in her life.

The family would like to extend our deepest thanks to Collinsville Health and Rehab and Southern Care New Beacon of Gadsden for the excellent care and love for our Mama Nell.

Funeral services will be held at 5pm on Thursday, May 15, 2025 from Antioch Baptist Church. Burial will follow the service in the adjoining cemetery. Officiating are Bro. Mark Owens, Bro. David Hairston, and Bro. Paul Long. The family will receive friends from 5pm-8pm on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel and from 2pm-5pm, prior to the service, on Thursday, May 15, 2025 at the church.

Mrs. Owens is survived by her son: Barry and Barbara Owens; sister: Mary Jo Gillispie; grandchildren: Joey and Karri Owens, Mark and Karen Owens, Jaime and Mark Brown; great grandchildren: Justin and Nicole Owens, Seth Owens, Cade Owens, Jacob Owens, Karli Owens, Jesse Owens, Samuel Woods, Whitney and John Tyler Clark, Will Brown; great-great grandchildren: Blakely Owens, Brylee Clark, Jeorgie Clark, Liam Brown.

Mrs. Owens was preceded in death by her husband: Rev. Delmer Owens; parents: Joe and Elzie Absher; sisters: Ilene Hosch, Florene Anderson, Marcille Mitchell; grandparents: Mr. and Mrs. Elijah Crawford.

Arrangements Entrusted to W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel