Dr. Mary S. Owens

Dr. Mary S. Owens, 89, of Lubbock, Texas died Sunday, February 2, 2014. She was born in White River, Arizona on January 24, 1925. Mary was one of seven children born to Edward and Nellie Seymour. She grew up on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation while her father served as school teacher to the local Indian tribe.

She did her undergraduate studies at the State University of New York, received her Master’s degree from Syracuse University, and obtained her Ph.D. from Arizona State University.

She taught at Oregon State University until 1966 when she accepted an Assistant Professor position at Texas Tech University. While at Texas Tech, Mary served as the first woman’s golf coach, faculty member and mentor to thousands including students, athletes, and colleagues. She also served as Assistant Dean in the College of Arts & Sciences at Texas Tech. She retired in 1999 as Professor Emeritus in the Department of Health Exercise and Sport Sciences.

Mary coached and accompanied the United States Synchronized Swimming Team for an exhibition match at the 1960 Olympics in Rome, Italy. After escorting the Swimming Team to the Olympics she then toured with the Team throughout Europe demonstrating the sport in other countries. She was a woman of many accomplishments in academics as well as a champion and pioneer of equality for women in sports.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, David and Jennifer Owens of Dallas, Texas; daughter, Kym Owens of Austin, Texas; and ex-husband, Dr. Thomas Richard Owens of Lubbock, Texas. She was preceded in death by her brother, Jack Seymour of Phoenix, Arizona; brother, Dr. Paul Seymour of West Covina, California; sister, Jean Tamblyn of El Paso, Texas; sister Barbara Ewing of Woodburn, Oregon; brother, Edward Seymour, and sister, Lois Hovey of White Plains, New York.

Her children extend their heartfelt appreciation to Ms. Perrie Krieter for the love and support provided to Mary. Her friendship and encouragement will be forever cherished.