Johnnie Mae Owens

The Legacy of Johnnie Mae Owens

Johnnie Mae Owens passed away peacefully on the afternoon of July 12, 2020. She was born to Willis and Leola Owens on December 19, 1941 in Henderson, Texas. She was loved and was committed to her high school sweetheart Edward Al Bauman Sr. who preceded her in death in 2019. From that union they were blessed with 3 children, Roxann Lynnette, Edward Al Jr. (His father’s namesake), Sherry Lynn, and 1 Goddaughter Natasha Foster.

Johnnie Mae received her elementary education from Percy L. Julian Elementary School and South Mountain High School. She had a childhood full of love and joy with 13 brothers and sisters.

Johnnie Mae loved her family tremendously and was known as a happy and content woman who enjoyed the simplicities of life. Johnnie adored her 3 children and was a devoted mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, godmother and friend. Johnnie often did things her way and no one could tell her differently. Johnnie Mae enjoyed a good card game of Spades or Bid Wiz with her partner in crime her little sister Teresa Ann. The pair were wicked at the games together, talked a lot of trash and backed it up… I’m sure we have a few victims here today. She would spend countless hours playing solitaire and MahJong on the computer, reading a good steamy romance novel, chatting on the phone with family and friends, or commenting on pictures she saw on Facebook. Johnnie Mae enjoyed cooking for her family and was known for her infamously delicious Banana Pudding.

Johnnie’s house was always the hub for countless family and friends where family to eat, drink, and enjoy good company and celebrate accomplishments. She also loved visiting her daughter, grandkids and great grandkids in Las Vegas and hitting the slot machines. Johnnie Mae was always a winner both on the machines and in life.

Johnnie Mae Owens was a nurse at Maricopa County Hospital where she worked in the Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) clinic that she dedicated over 30 years to. Johnnie Mae later retired from that hospital.

The love of Johnnie Mae will live on through her children Roxann McCoy, Edward Bauman Jr. (Michele Bauman), Sherry Bauman, God Daughter Natasha Foster, her grandchildren Shanease, Monique, Yimin, Rashita, Whitney, Lil Al, A.J., LaTorey, Aahmad, great grand kids, Curtis, Nevaeh, Marley, Jade, Zavvion, Za’Raya, Amirah, Korey, Kiarra, Kofi, sisters Sylvia Wren and Teresa Owens, her brother Curtis Owens Sr., and a host of family and friends who will miss her dearly.

Johnnie Mae’s life was a living example of the Bible verse, Ephesians 4:32 “And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.”