Sarah C. Owens

Sarah was born on June 13, 1924 in Tuskegee, Alabama, to Sarah Bullock Conner and Frank Young Conner. After graduating from Auburn University in 1947 with a major in Business Administration, Sarah moved to Birmingham and began her career at U.S. Steel Corporation. She served as Executive Secretary in the Sales Department until she retired on October 31, 1983. Sarah was married in 1967 to her loving husband, Johnnie William Owens, who preceded her in death.

Sarah was a faithful long-standing member of Canterbury United Methodist Church and loved her friends in the JOY class. She and Johnnie served many years with the Carpenter’s Hands ministry building houses on Sand Mountain.

Sarah and Johnnie were avid snow skiers and skied at least once a year with the Birmingham Ski club well into their eighties. Sarah loved to watch her Auburn Tigers and attended many football and basketball games through the years with family. She was a wonderful and devoted wife, sister, stepmother, grandmother and aunt!

She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Jane Conner Wicks, and her brothers, Frank Young Conner and John Bullock Conner.

Sarah is survived by her sister, Evelyn Conner Ellis; daughter Marilyn Owens Cepeda (Manuel); grandchildren Michael Owens Palmero and Nancy Palmero LaVigne (Josh); great grandchildren, Katelyn LaVigne and Josie LaVigne; nieces Sarah Ann Thornton, Meta Conner Adams (Clayton), Katherine Ellis Lacey (Matthew), Carolyn Ellis Loftus (Joe); nephew John Bullock Conner, Jr. (Janet), and many great nieces and great nephews.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation may be given to the Canterbury United Methodist Church.

The family would like to thank the wonderful caregivers whom Sarah loved, who took such great care of her during her last few years.

A funeral will be held at Canterbury United Methodist Church on Saturday, August 28, 2021, at 11:30 a.m., with a private service afterwards at Elmwood Cemetery. Arrangements by Ridout’s Valley Chapel.

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