Mrs. Robena Elizabeth (Fleming) Gowens

Robena attended Brutontown Elementary School and Sterling High School. Several years after high school, she and her infant son Otis, relocated to Brooklyn, NY where she later met her late husband, Franklin D. Gowens. Shortly after their marriage, they established their family and relocated to Greenville, SC.

Robena was employed by the School District of Greenville County for 40 plus years. She retired from Woodmont Middle School, where she was loved and respected by teachers, staff and students. Robena loved to go on trips with her family and friends. Her favorite travel group was Perry Travels, who she went on many trips with. She lived a vibrant life after retirement, in Greenville, SC, where she attended Mt. Pleasant Community Center’s Senior Program, along with attending Capitol Health Services, where she was well cared for and loved by the entire staff and participants.

Robena was saved and discipled under the ministry of her brother Rev. Vardrey E. Fleming, Sr. of Bethel Bible Missionary Church, where she was faithful in service and support of her church. She was deemed as “Mother of the Church”, and will be sorely missed by all.

She transitioned from this earthly life to the presence of her Lord and Saviour on Saturday morning, November 18, 2023 at her home, surrounded by her family who had cared for her during her illness. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one sister, Stella Fleming.

She leaves to cherish lots of fond memories: One son, Otis B. Gowens of Riverdale, Georgia; three daughters Guanita G. Hall (George) of Greenville, SC, Stella L. Martin, (Michael) of Orange Park Florida, Rhonda Harpe of Greenville, SC; and one step-son, Dwayne Anderson of Simpsonville, SC. nine grandchildren: Jameka, Tiara, Danesha, Gacari, Gakara, Lauren, Machi, Darrielle, Christopher, and plenty of great-grands; four brothers: Dr. Vardrey E. Fleming (Lynn) of Greenville, SC, Izell Fleming of Whitestone, NY, James H. Fleming of Atlanta, GA, and Russell R. Fleming of Jackson, GA; four sisters: Carrie Gowens of S. Ozone Park, NY, Imogene Ferguson of Jackson, GA, Rosa L. Byrd of Greenville, SC and Esther Robinson (Evans) of Greenville, SC; and a large host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Robena and her dry sense of humor will be missed by many.

A viewing for Robena will be held Saturday, November 25, 2023 from 11:00 am to 11:45 am at Mackey Funerals and Cremations Century Drive, 311 Century Drive, Greenville, SC 29607, followed by a funeral service at 12:00 pm.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mackeycenturydrive.com for the Gowens family.