Gracie Owens was born on July 5, 1934 to the late Clara & Willie Mae Smith. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother MSgt. Clifton Smith. She accepted Christ at an early age at Mt. Gillard Baptist Church in Camden, Arkansas. Gracie also attended AM&N College in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Gracie moved to St. Paul, MN from Camden, Arkansas in 1953 to help support her family in Arkansas. After moving to St. Paul she joined Pilgrim Baptist Church under Rev. Floyd Massey Sr. in 1954. She was a member of the AFM Club along with several choirs.
She worked for AT&T for 34 years as a telephone operator and information clerk. She retired at the early age of 55.
Gracie loved her family, baking, dancing, and she loved sweets particularly, desserts. She was an avid walker and participated in many aerobics classes before and during her retired life. Gracie was an outgoing person around her family and she became known as the "family clown".
Gracie leaves to mourn, her husband of 54 years Jimmie Owens; daughter Vicki (Harold) Tucker; grandchildren, Tikeia and Marlon Tucker; sisters Robelene Hill, Bettye (Spencer) Jackson; Eva Callender; Shirley Barber, and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.
God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be.
So he put his arms around you and whispered "Come With Me."
With tearful eyes I watched you, slowly fade away,
Although I loved you dearly, I would not make you stay.
A golden heart stopped beating, hardworking hands at rest.
God Broke my heart to prove to me,
He only takes the best.
Jim
