Lugenia Clark Owens

Ms. Lugenia Clark Owens, affectionately known as Genie, daughter of William Clark and Mary Linton Clark was born on July 31, 1946. She left this life on August 25, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Ms. Owens enjoyed a distinguished career as a public-school teacher, specializing in Science and Mathematics in the Sumter and Columbia area of South Carolina.

Her educational journey began at Moore Elementary School and Lincoln High School in Sumter, SC. Following her graduation from Lincoln, she attended Virginia Union University on an academic scholarship, where she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology in 1968.

Ms. Lugenia Clark Owens holds certification in Science Education from the National Board of Professional Teachers and earned a master’s degree in education from Cambridge College in Boston Massachusetts.

While living in Sumter, Ms. Owens shared her love for education and taught at several schools in the region. She instructed “New Math” at Scotts Branch high school in Summerton, South Carolina, taught Earth Science at Dennis High School in Bishopville, South Carolina, and provided instruction in Science at Ebenezer Middle School and Hillcrest High School in Dalzell, South Carolina, additionally she taught Life Science at Alice Drive Middle School in Sumter, South Carolina.

In Sumter, Ms. Owens was an active member of Emmanuel United Methodist Church, where she served faithfully as a member of the Council on Ministries, she participated in the young adult choir, held the position of Superintendent of Sunday School, served as Honorary member of the Boy Scouts of America and coordinator of youth activities.

Upon moving to Columbia, South Carolina, Ms. Owens assumed employment teaching science and algebra at Sanders Middle School. During her tenure she successfully reinstated the school science fair, served as the coordinator for the after-school Engineering Club and coached the students that took part in the District One Academic Bowl.

Ms. Lugenia Clark Owens concluded her distinguished career in the public school system in 2005, after dedicating 33 years to education. During her tenure she was named teacher of the year and had a profound impact on numerous students, earning their lasting admiration and respect. Ms. Owens touched many lives and is fondly remembered by her former students.

Ms. Lugenia Clark Owens is survived by three children: Mr. Leslie Scott Owens, his wife Candace residing in Horatio, South Carolina, Dr. Stephanie Owens Boyd, her husband Alex residing in Columbia, South Carolina and Mr. Norwood Clark Owens, his wife Debra residing in Alabang, Philippines . Additionally, she is survived by six grandchildren, Ms. Courtney Danielle Owens residing in Summerville, South Carolina, Ms. Jordan Noelle Owens residing in Charlotte, North Carolina, Mr. Leslie Scott Owens Jr. residing in Arkansas City, Kansas, Alexander Adizas Boyd Jr. residing in Columbia, South Carolina, Gavin Andrew Owens and Norwood Clark Owens Jr. residing in Monroe, New York.

Furthermore, Ms. Owens is survived by one sister, Ms. Della Clark Hart residing in Columbia, South Carolina; three nieces: Terri Veleta Washington residing in Columbia, South Carolina, Joyce Marie Smith her husband Billy residing in Atlanta Georgia, Sonya Valencia Levy residing in Sumter, South Carolina, and one nephew, Mr. Frank Davis Jr. residing in Cartagena, Colombia.

A celebration of life memorial to honor the life of Ms. Lugenia Clark Owens (Genie) is scheduled to take place on September 6, 2025, at 9:00 AM at Elmwood Funeral Home, located at 501 Elmwood Avenue, Columbia South Carolina 29201.