Judy Anne Owens' Obituary
Judy Anne Owens was born April 11, 1947 to George and Grace Strickland in Birmingham, Alabama. She met and then married the love of her life, Terry G. Owens on October 6, 1972 in Plano, Texas.
Judy attended Samford, and North Texas University studying and earning undergraduate and master's degrees in piano performance. As a master piano teacher, Judy has taught a host of children, teenagers, and adults not only piano skills, but a love and appreciation for music. In 2010, Judy celebrated 50 years in church ministry as pianist and accompanist for many churches, and celebrated her 20 year anniversary as the church pianist and accompanist for First Baptist Church, Longview. There, she accompanied The Sanctuary Choir, Saints Alive Chancel Choir, Children, and Youth Choirs along with numerous soloists, ensembles, and instrumentalists. In Longview, Judy served as pianist for the Longview Symphony for 27 years. She accompanied the East Texas Community Chorus, as well as being the Staff Accompanist for Kilgore College. Judy has also played for Opera Longview and has served as an active adjudicator throughout Texas and surrounding states.
Judy was preceded in death by her parents, George and Grace Strickland. Judy is survived by her husband of 38 years, Terry G. Owens, her son, Byron Owens, and wife Abby, of Kilgore; her sister Jeanne Lewter, and husband, Dan of Alpharetta, GA; Brother in law Ron Owens, and wife Linda of Arlington; Nieces: Kimberly MacIntyre, Amber Blake, and Melinda Weber; Nephews: Mark Lewter, and Daniel Owens; Great nieces and nephews: Kaitlyn, Heather, Ryan, Daniel, Stuart, Jonathan, Isaiah, Hannah, Evelyn Grace, and Brielle. She was also surrounded by a host of friends in Alabama, Plano, & Longview.
Judy loved life, whether it be shopping, traveling or just spending time with family and friends. She was an avid reader and loved bible study. Judy was the consummate southern girl full of wit and energy that could charm you in a moment. Outside her family however, her greatest love was the piano. Judy did not simply play beautiful songs, but instead created glorious music because she put her very heart and soul into everything she played whether sacred, classical, or whimsical.
Judy showed a commitment and work ethic that should be an example to all. Her discipline, practice, and passion was evident every time she sat down at the piano, and she instilled that discipline in every piano student she taught. She was always polished and prepared and would not settle for less.
A memorial service to celebrate the life of Judy is scheduled for 1:00 pm on Saturday, July 30, 2011 at First Baptist Church, Longview under the direction of Rader Funeral Home. The family will receive friends at a visitation from 6-8pm Friday, July 29, 2011 at Rader Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to "The Judy Strickland Owens Endowment For the Performing Arts" in care of First Baptist Church, Longview; or Beacon Hospice at Margaret's House.
Judy's favorite scripture is her enduring message to us all; "This I call to mind, and therefore I have hope; Because of the Lord's great love, we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness"
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