Betty Ivey Owen

Betty Ann Ivey Owen of Virginia Beach passed away peacefully in her home at the blessed age of 97. Predeceased by her husband of 50 years, Allen Linwood Owen, Sr. Betty was the last of 5 siblings to pass into Glory. She is survived by her two daughters, J.C. and Mary (Sammy), and her son, Allen; her seven grandchildren; Lisa, Michelle, Lori, Amy, Sarah, Courtney, and Cameryn; and her 8 great-grandchildren.

Betty was born to a farming family in Arkansas, spent her youth between Arkansas, Texas and Oklahoma, and moved to the East Coast to start her family. She enjoyed many years working with Bell Atlantic telephone company where she made many life-long friends.

Moving to Pungo in 1967 launched the period of her life where she found the most joy. She found peace in working in her gardens, raising animals, and preserving foods from the fruits of her labors. She was known as “the flower lady” for the travelers on their way down to enjoy the beach at Sandbridge and was seen riding on her mower cutting the grass every chance she could get. When she wasn’t outside working in the yard and gardens she was shopping to add to her many collections. “They’ll be worth something someday!” Sundays were spent in the first pews at Tabernacle United Methodist Church followed by family time and note taking in her red-letter Bible. Friends and family were always welcome to drop by, and nobody was allowed to come without at least acquiescing to being fed something.

Services to celebrate the life of the family matriarch and firecracker, “MeMe” will be held on Sunday, May 24, 2026 at 3 o’clock in the afternoon. The family invites all friends and loved ones to gather at the church for services with a reception to follow in the fellowship hall. Flowers and perennial plants are welcome to be received either at the home or the church day-of.