Wilma Gayle Owens, 81, of Jacksonville, Arkansas was called home to be with her Lord and Saviour on October 22, 2020, in Waskom, Texas. Gayle was born to Elburn L Mayhugh and V Doris Powell Mayhugh in Alice, Texas on May 6, 1939. She graduated from Consolidated High School in College Station, Texas. Gayle married Vernon E "Gene" Owens in Waco, Texas, they were married for 53 years and had two daughters.
Gene, Gayle, and Girls moved to Arkansas in January 1967 and made their home in Jacksonville. Gayle worked for the City of Little Rock Parks and Recreation Department for 37 years as an Administrative Assistant and then she became the Volunteer Coordinator. She worked with the City Beautiful Commission and was instrumental in beginning the City Beautiful Kids summer program. She assisted for many years in the City of Little Rock's Winterfest. She worked on developing the City of Little Rock Park Ranger program before she retired.
Gayle was a lifetime member of the Order of the Eastern Star and a Past Worthy Matron of the Jacksonville Chapter. She also served on the Advisory Board for the Rainbow Girls in Jacksonville and was a Past Mother Advisor.
Gayle was actively involved in politics. She served as the Past President of the Pulaski County Democratic Women, and Past President of the Arkansas Federation of Democratic Women, and Past Southern Regional Director of the National Federation of Democratic Women. She also served on the Arkansas Democratic Committee.
Gayle is predeceased by her husband Vernon E "Gene" Owens, a daughter Robin Janine Sternweis, her parents Elburn and Doris Mayhugh, and one brother Howard Mayhugh.
Gayle is survived by one daughter Wendell "Wendy" Burkart (Kevin) of Tulsa, Ok; three grandchildren Tiffany Reel (Brian) of Waskom, TX, William Andrew "Drew" Prine, Jr (Karen) of Jacksonville, AR, and Victoria "Tori" Morris (Timmy) of Weiner, AR; one brother C L "Butch" Mayhugh (Sharon) of Bulverde, TX; nine great-grandchildren Avery, Gabriel, and Madison Reel, Hunter, Wyatt, and Felicity Prine; and Karrey, Taylor and Dax Morris; and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held on Monday, October 26, 2020 rom 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Griffin Leggett Rest Hills, 7724 Landers Road, North Little Rock, AR. 72117. Funeral Services will be on Tuesday, October 27, 2020 beginning at 11:00 am in the funeral home. Entombment will follow in Rest Hills Memorial Park. The service with be livestreamed on the funeral home's Facebook page and can be joined by clicking on the join livestream link below this obituary.
Donations can be made to the American Cancer Society.
