Mary Gladys Owens Jackson

Mary Gladys Owens Jackson departed this life on Saturday, March 22, 2025 and went home to be with the Lord after a long illness at her home. She was born in Mountain City, Tennessee on June 25, 1933 to the late Lula Shortt and Hezekiah Wilson. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Mary was a graduate of Langston High School in Johnson City, Tennessee where she was a majorette in the band. She attended Morristown College in Tennessee where she met and married her husband, James Owens.
Mary was a devoted member of First Baptist Church for over 60 years. She taught Sunday School and was the Sunday School Superintendent. Mary was also one of the directors of the Children's Choir and Vacation Bible School Director. She sang in the Senior Choir and the Mass Choir. Mary was involved with the Missionary as well as the Women's Auxiliary. Mary remained a very devoted and faithful member of her church until her health prevented her from attending in person.
Mary retired from Rand McNally in 1994 after working for 32 years as the Receptionist and Conference Coordinator. She was a member of the Business and Professional Women's Club (BPW) where she was a past President.
Mary loved her family her family and many of her children's friends still call her "Mother". She saw the good in everyone and was always there to encourage anyone that needed it. Mary always had a kind word for everyone.
Mary was the widow of James Owens and George Jackson. She is survived by her children; Jerry Owens, of Lexington, Lisa Owens, Jan Carter, Val Owens, and Joseph Water, Sr. all of Versailles, and Tracy (Lance) Kavanaugh of Marietta, Georgia. She is further survived by her grandchildren; Justin Laine, Linsay Piersawl, Ja'Neise Owens, Julia Owens, Kevin (Crystal) Carter, Barri J. Parker, Lauren Kavanaugh, Leslie Kavanaugh, Joseph Waters, Jr., and Joyce Waters. Great-Grandchildren; Jalen Miller, McKenzie McWilliams, Arabella McWilliams, Addison Laine, Justus Greene, Ja'Sion Greene, Jaden Farmer, Malachi Farmer, Karmello Morton, and Kairo Morton. Great-Great-Grandchildren; Kamdyn Miller, and Alaiyah Greene. Mary is also survived by her cousin she considered her brother, Charles (Ida) Locke of Johnson City, Tennessee.
In addition to her parents and husbands, she was also preceded in death by her son, Gary Winston Owens, and sister, Marge Shatley.
Homegoing Services will be conducted at 1:00 pm on Friday, March 28, 2025 at First Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. Floyd Greene officiating. Visitation will be prior to the service beginning at 11:00 am. Interment will follow at Rose Crest Cemetery where pallbearers will be Anthony Miller, Justin Laine, Kenny Howard, Sylvestor Howard, Charles Locke, III, and Greg Muir. Honorary pallbearers will be the Ministers and Deacons of First Baptist Church. Friends and family are encouraged to leave messages of condolence and share memories here on Mary's tribute wall.