Owen Lloyd Guthrie

Owen Lloyd Guthrie was born on February 27, 1943, in Mulgrave, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica, to the late Martha Wallace and James Guthrie. Rooted in Jamaican values of faith, hard work, and community, he was raised in a close-knit family that shaped his character and devotion to others. Owen was a devoted brother to Ellis “Roy” Guthrie, Olrick “Al” Guthrie, Colville “Dill” Guthrie, Wesley Guthrie, and his sisters Una Smith, Carrol “Babs” Lomini, Neva “Lorna” Thomas, Norma “Jean” McKenzie, and Violet “Girlie” Pinnock.

Owen attended school in Maggoty, Jamaica, and later moved to Kingston, where he met the love of his life, Thelma Samms. When the opportunity arose to travel to the United States in search of greater opportunities, Owen stepped forward with courage and faith. He and Thelma eventually married and settled in Brooklyn, New York, where they began raising their family and welcomed their children Sherryl, Judith, Jay, and Wanda.

Owen pursued a career as a computer operator during the early days of large mainframe systems, demonstrating intelligence, discipline, and adaptability. During this time, Thelma became a registered nurse, and together they worked diligently to provide for their family. Their journey later led them to Deer Park, Long Island, where they became first-time homeowners and later welcomed their youngest child, Owen Guthrie Jr.

The years spent in Deer Park—affectionately remembered as “350”—were filled with family gatherings, shared meals, laughter, and celebration. Holidays and special occasions were marked by togetherness and warmth. It was also during this time that Owen felt a renewed spiritual calling and returned fully to his Seventh-day Adventist faith. The family became deeply involved with Bethesda Seventh-day Adventist Church in Amityville, New York, where strong bonds and lifelong friendships were formed.

After many years on Long Island, Owen and Thelma once again followed God’s leading and relocated to Spring Hill, Florida. There, Owen became an active and faithful member of the Spring Hill Seventh-day Adventist Church, where he served for many years as Head Deacon. He was respected for his quiet leadership, consistency, and servant’s heart, and he developed close relationships with his church family.

In Florida, Owen worked as a driver for Reeves BMW in Tampa, a position he held faithfully until retirement. Despite managing various health challenges, he remained engaged and purposeful. He found joy in gardening, lending a helping hand wherever it was needed, and caring for others through acts of service and kindness—living out his faith through action.

Owen Lloyd Guthrie rests in the blessed hope of the resurrection. As Scripture reminds us, “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout… and the dead in Christ will rise first” (1 Thessalonians 4:16). He now sleeps in Christ, awaiting the promised return of Jesus, when “this mortal must put on immortality” (1 Corinthians 15:53). His life reflected the assurance found in God’s Word: “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord… that they may rest from their labors, and their works do follow them” (Revelation 14:13).

Owen leaves behind his devoted wife, Thelma Samms Guthrie; his children Andrea “Maureen” Hutchinson (Desmond Hutchinson), Judith Pottinger, Sherryl McPhee, Wanda McPherson, and Owen Guthrie Jr. (Brittany Jackson); his beloved grandchildren Kimberly Wooten (Michael Wooten), Shawn Pottinger, Christian Pottinger, Ashley Pottinger, Jaedyn Guthrie, Mia Guthrie, Marcus Hutchinson, Brandon Hutchinson, Kimai McPhee, Kiori McPhee, Joshua McPherson, and Carmen McPherson; and his cherished great-grandchild, Austin Wooten. He was preceded in death by his son, Jay Silvera.

Owen will be remembered as a faithful servant of God, a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend. From his Jamaican roots to his life of service in the United States, his journey was marked by faith, perseverance, humility, and love. He lived a life of service, generosity, and quiet faith, and his legacy lives on in the lives he touched and in the sure hope of Christ’s soon return, when “God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes”(Revelation 21:4).

A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held at Turner Funeral Homes, Crematory and Cemetery, located at 14360 Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill, FL 34609, on January 17, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

A Celebration of Life will take place at Spring Hill SDA Church, 2300 Osowaw Blvd, Spring Hill, FL 34607, on January 18, 2026, from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

Graveside Committal Services will be conducted at Florida Hills Memorial Gardens, 14354 Spring Hill Dr, Spring Hill, FL 34609, on January 19, 2026, from 10:00 am to 10:30 am.