Dorothy Owens

Dorothy Terry Owens (“Dot”) died peacefully on January 16, 2025 at age 85 at Hospice of West Alabama. Dot was the oldest of three daughters of Durham Edward Terry and Apsilah (Appie) Albritton Terry. Perhaps due to being born on the heels of the Great Depression, or to being the oldest of three girls and taking on household responsibilities because of her mother’s serious illnesses (or maybe just because of her innate personality), Dot excelled in everything she undertook. She looked and acted like the perfect Southern lady, but she also had grit and determination that were nothing short of inspirational.

As a teen, Dot focused her drive on participating in school activities, including cheering, holding various offices at Red Level High School, and earning the distinction of Salutatorian upon graduation. At The University of Alabama (where she earned a home economics degree after a wrong turn took her to Auburn for a brief time), her devotion transferred to Delta Delta Delta, cheering on the Crimson Tide , and spending time with her beau “Johnny.” Immediately after earning a degree in home economics, Dot put her degree to work as a home economist in Panama City where she taught women how to use their newly acquired dishwashers.

While Dot was working in Panama City, John was beginning service with the Navy. Dot and John married immediately before he reported to his assigned ship in Key West, Florida and spent their honeymoon driving from Red Level to Key West. From the moment they were married until she drew her last breath, Dot's primary focus was John. She prided herself on creating a full home life and taking care of all the responsibilities that entailed, enabling him to excel in his work.

When Dot had children, that same drive extended to ensure that her children would also excel. Dot never sat still – when she was not taking care of her family, she was engaged in volunteer work to support and help others. She devoted herself to leadership roles within the Junior League of Tuscaloosa, the Delta Delta Delta advisory team, and to serving First United Methodist Church. When Dot took time out for leisure activities, she enjoyed exercising and activities that she could do with John including skiing, boating, cheering on the Tide, and travelling the world with John. Even as Dot's health prevented her from continuing the activities she loved, she pushed through repeated health challenges so she could remain at John's side.

Dot was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Bettye Terry DeMaret. She is survived by her husband John Arthur Owens; sister Margaret Terry Rainer; children, Appie Owens Millsaps (Leland), Terry Owens-Alvarez (Laurence Alvarez-Roos); grandchildren Brittany Anne Millsaps, Savannah Lyn Millsaps Black (Cameron), Terry Virginia Millsaps, Liam Daniel Hurt, Ana Kenzie Hurt, River Sabine Alvarez-Bradford, and Saskia Isabella Alvarez-Bradford, and her great-grandson Hargrove Leland Black.

Visitation will be at First United Methodist Church of Tuscaloosa, Alabama on Monday, January 20 at 10:00 A.M. and will be followed by Services at 11:00 A.M. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to First United Methodist, Hospice, or the charitable organization of your choice. Pall bearers will be Cameron Hargrove Black, Frank Carlos Londono, Ivan Nelson Hernandez, James King Owens, III, Laurence Alvarez-Roos, and Leland Edward Millsaps.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Lynne and Jim Owens, Ivan Hernandez, Patty Sutton, Seniors Prefer Home Care, the Crossings at North River, Oasis Hospice, Hospice of West Alabama, and the many individuals who have provided loving care to her during the last ten years.