Bessie LaNell Owens

Mrs. Bessie LaNelle “Nell” Owens of Byram passed away March 21, 2023, at MS Baptist Medical Center in Jackson, MS.   Mrs. Nell was 92 years of age.  Born May 8, 1930, to Mark Collins and Velma Annice Keys of Covington County, MS.  She was a graduate of Salem High School and a “standout” basketball player. She met and married A.C. Owens and had three children.  She was an office assistant for Timberlawn Elementary for many years. She moved from South Jackson to Byram 24 years ago.  She enjoyed being a homemaker and was known for her wonderful cooking.  She loved the Lord and was a longtime member of McDowell Road Baptist church since 1955 and currently a member of Raymond Road Baptist Church.  She loved playing dominoes with the neighbors and watching her girl’s college basketball team.  Her children will tell you; she was the best mother in the world and her grandchildren would tell you she is the best grandmother in the world.  

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, A.C. Owens; and a son, Bucky Owens.

She is survived by a son, Mark Owens of Jackson, and a daughter, Reine Manuel (Larry) of Florence.  Along with those left to cherish her memory are 8 grandchildren, Lisa, Leigh Ann(Mike), Heather (Ken), Collin(Heather), Jordan(Whitney), Anna Regan(Aaron), Max, and Miles, and 15 great grandchildren, Macy Kate, Maggy, Haley(Austin), Spencer, Ava Grace, Paxton, Paisley, Ashtyn, Rowdy, Dallyn, Lyric, Aiden, Journey, Brooklyn, and Millie Jane.

Friends will be received for a visitation on Thursday, March 23, 2023, from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm with the funeral service beginning at 1:00 pm at Chancellor Funeral Home of Byram.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that a donation be made in Mrs. Nell's honor to the Raymond Road Baptist Church or Gideon International.