Mary Kathryn Owens

Mary Kathryn “Kathy” Owens passed away on November 14, 2014 at her residence in Grapevine, Texas. The daughter of Wilmuth and Roy L. Walker, Kathy was born in Brady, Texas, and grew up in Lampasas, Texas, where her father served as a city councilman and mayor. Her great grandfather, Jasper A. Adkins, was a doctor and built the first stone house in Lampasas County, which has been designated as an historic building by the State of Texas. Even though Kathy lived most of her adult life in Dallas, she always had a special place in her heart for Lampasas and the Hill Country. She attended college at Southwestern University and Southern Methodist University, where she majored in music and was a member of the Tri Delta Sorority. Kathy taught piano for several years and had a lifelong interest in music. Well known for her fondness for cats and other animals, she supported various organizations that promote animal welfare. For many years she was an active member of Central Christian Church in University Park, Dallas. She was proud to have obtained her real estate broker’s license, and loved working in that field not only in Dallas but also in the Lake Texoma region. Her marriage to Guy Perkinson ended in divorce in 1959, and her later marriage to Julian C. Owens lasted until his death in 1989. Throughout her life, friends and family knew of her enormous enthusiasm for travel. She enjoyed visiting Europe, but while in her 80s her purchase of a “Bounder” RV opened many new vistas to her. Through her membership in “Single Sams” and “Loners on Wheels,” she made new friends who shared her love of the open road. Tales of her trips through the Southwest and, in one instance, to California and up the Pacific coast as far as Washington State amazed and delighted all who knew her. She once sent a postcard about having enjoyed seeing the camel races in Indio, California! Active throughout most of her life, she loved gardening and caring for plants, and she was very devoted to ballroom dancing, at which she excelled. Her daughter, Carol, recalled how often her Mother spoke of her fondness for high fashion, long, sparkling chiffon dresses she would wear when dancing, going on a cruise, or on other special occasions with her friends. Her son, Roy, also remembered that some years ago he spotted some white clothing on the back seat of her car and asked what it was for. “That is my tap-dancing outfit,” was the quick reply. Kathy is survived by daughter Carol Factor and husband, Mitchell, of Grapevine; and son Roy Perkinson and wife, Jean, of Wellesley, Massachusetts, as well as five grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. Donations in her memory can be made to the Animal Adoption Center, 3727 Valley View Lane, Farmers Branch, TX 75244.