Shirley M. Owens

Shirley Montgomery Owens, 94, widow of Thomas P. Owens, passed away peacefully on December 3, 2025 at her home.
Mrs. Owens was born in High Springs, Florida on December 12, 1930 to the late Evelyn Austin Montgomery and Reverend Benjamin Marvin Montgomery. She graduated from Emory University Nursing School and married her beloved "Tom" in Bradenton, Florida in 1952 by her father and grandather. Together they raised four children in various southern states due to Tom's career with International Paper Company. Through the years she practiced her nursing skills in a hospital, office, industry, and finally as a volunteer nurse for Tidelands Hospice who returned to care for her at the end of her life.
She was a caretaker in every sense, creating a warm and welcoming home where love and laughter were constant. Holidays were marked with sentimental recipes and big family gatherings; but the sweetest memories were quiet evenings spent together in the living room listening to her and Tom share old stories, tease each other over the details, and always ending with a heartfelt smile and kiss. Their marriage set a lasting example of love and devotion.
Her children and grandchildren were the joy of her life and she wove herself into their everyday moments, spoiling and caring for each of them. Her family will fondly remember her signature lipstick, standing hair appointments, and the staple of her treasured mid-afternoon nap. While grateful she is reunited with the love of her life, her absence here is immense - a testament to how deeply she loved and was loved in return.
Mrs. Owens is survived by her sister, Joyce M. Douglass; a son, Thomas P. Owens, Jr. (Kelly) of Dallas, Texas; three daughters, Denee O. Rogers (Allen) of Georgetown, Beth O. Sawyer (Mac) of Chapin, and Janet O. Williams (Pete) of Pawleys Island; twelve beloved grandchildren; and fifteen cherished great grandchildren as well as many loved nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and beloved husband, Mrs. Owens was preceded in death by two brothers, Gene and Marvin Montgomery.
"Ms. Shirley" had a squadron of angels that loved and cared for her in her last years. Her family deeply thanks Silvia Williams, Linda Shaw, Brittany Simpson, Vivian Keith, Cathy Brown, Audrey Scott, LaSaundra Cuttino, and Debbie Brown who saw her through her journey and brought peace to her family.
There will be a private service. Memorials can be made to
Tidelands Hospice, 2591 N. Fraser St., Georgetown, SC 29440 https://www.tidelandshospice.org/donate/
or to
Duncan Methodist Church, 901 Highmarket St., Georgetown, SC 29440 https://duncanmemorialchurch.com/giving
Mayer-Ethridge Funeral Home
Maryville Chapel
2200 S. Fraser St.
843-546-4184