Obituary of Gladys M Owens

Gladys Maxwell Owens was born to Nellie Plew Maxwell and Harold Oliver Maxwell on April 29, 1942 in Sullivan, Indiana. Her family then moved to Tucson, Arizona, where she later met and married Thomas (Tom) Owens, Sr. who was stationed at a military base nearby. By 1969, the couple had four children and returned to Tom's hometown of Clewiston, Florida. Though the couple later divorced, Gladys considered Clewiston her home until the day that she died on October 12, 2015. Gladys worked in a variety of jobs over the years including salesperson for Gulf Life Insurance and cook for U.S. Sugar and Hendry Regional Medical Center. She was a volunteer for the local 4-H program and enjoyed supporting her children and grandchildren in sporting events and other endeavors. Gladys endured many losses and challenges during her lifetime yet faced adversity with resolve and determination. Her caring nature and can-do spirit was especially evident when family was in need – one example is how she helped care for Pro Owens Steadman during Pro's battle with ALS. Gladys was quick to laugh and enjoyed finding creative solutions to everyday challenges. She also enjoyed camping, traveling and visiting with family and friends. She was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, mother-in-law, aunt, and friend who will be deeply missed. Gladys was preceded in death by her parents, sister Martha Jenkins, and son Aubrey Owens. In addition to eleven grandchildren, Gladys is survived by three sisters - Peggy Coe (William) of San Antonio, TX, Nancy Stonefield of Benton, NC, and Mildred Smith of Las Vegas, NV. Her surviving children include three sons - Thomas Owens, Jr. (Lisa) of Clewiston, FL, Richard Owens (Darleen) of Duluth, MN, Robert Owens (Karen) of Maryville, TN, and one daughter - Nancy Jones (Russel) of Tampa, FL. The celebration of Gladys' life was held Friday, October 16, 2015 at Akin-Davis Funeral Home in Clewiston with cremation to follow. The family requests that memorial donations to help with medical costs be sent to Thomas Owens, Jr., 2190 W. Hwy 27, Clewiston, FL 33440. Cremation arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - Clewiston.