Mary Diane Owens

Mary Diane Owens, affectionately known as Diane, was born on September 30, 1951, and was adopted as an infant by Harold and Bonnie Bissel, who raised her in Windsor, Ontario. She was the younger of two children. She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, JoEllen Skutt; and her siblings-in-law, Katrina Lynn Davenport, Derrick Owens Sr. and Gail Owens, Joseph Flint and Melvin King.

Diane began her education in Windsor. She played basketball in high school and as point guard, led her team to the regional championship her senior year. She began college at the University of Michigan–Flint but soon transferred to Wayne State University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics with a minor in French. She later earned a master’s degree in counseling from Wayne State’s College of Education. Diane was a devoted math teacher with Detroit Public Schools for more than 30 years, where she mentored countless students and helped lead the Mumford High School robotics team until her retirement in 2006.

In 1975, Diane married the love of her life, Vernee Owens Jr., and to this union two children were born, Jeniene and Justin. Diane and Vernee shared a special love that carried them through every season of life, side by side for more than 50 years. As a teacher, she spent her summers devoted to quality time with her kids, friends, and extended family. She loved us with all her heart, and through her example she taught us the meaning of hard work, the importance of family, and lessons we will carry for the rest of our lives.

Diane joined Friendship Baptist Church in 1974 under the leadership of the late Pastor Louis Johnson. In 2008, she transferred her membership to Triumph Church, under the leadership of Rev. Solomon Kinloch Jr where she sang in the Mass Choir and served as an usher.

A devoted sports fan, Diane loved watching basketball and football, especially when the Detroit Pistons and Lions were playing. Some of her fondest memories came from traveling with her children and grandchildren, and there was no place more peaceful to her than floating in the water at the beach in Florida. When a Motown song came on, Diane was the first to start singing along, and she was often found dancing the bop with her favorite dance partners. Above all, Diane’s greatest pride was her family. She cheered from the stands and sat in the audience at every game, dance competition, recital, and school event her grandchildren had. Those grandchildren always knew who their biggest fan was.

God called Diane home on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. She leaves to cherish her memory her devoted husband, Vernee Owens Jr.; her children, Jeniene (Chris) Edwards and Justin Owens; her special daughter-in-law, Chanelle Owens; her nephew, Derrick (Toyia) Owens, whom she loved as a son; four grandchildren, Macayla Harris, Jasmyn and Jaidyn Edwards, and Justin Owens Jr., who fondly called her “Gaga”; her stepbrother, Brian (Janelle) Mosely; her siblings-in-law, Cynthia King, Carma Flint, Michelle (Kenneth) Gripper, and Tabyas (Minerva) Owens; a host of other nieces and nephews who lovingly called her “Aunt Di”; and many other relatives and friends.

We will forever cherish the time we shared and hold precious memories close to our hearts. We love you "a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck".