Rebecca Williams Owens

ROCKY MOUNT – Rebecca Williams Owens, age 83, passed away peacefully surrounded by her beloved family on Friday, August 15, 2025, at UNC Nash General Hospital.  Born in Edgecombe County, NC, on January 6, 1942, she was the daughter of the late Solomon Williams and Virginia Daniel Williams.

Rebecca is survived by her husband of almost 62 years, James Owens; her daughters, Robin Owens Latham (Mike Latham) and Michele Owens (Mike Kielawa); her sisters Judy Strum (Jack Strum) and Mary Rackley; niece Ginny Strum; nephews Bill Strum (Terri Wimer) and Michael Turner; and grand nephews Conner and Zac Tomlinson; mother-in-law Marie Owens; several cousins; numerous special friends; and extended family.

In addition to her parents, Rebecca was preceded in death by her beloved nephew Larry Turner.

Rebecca loved Jesus, her husband, her two daughters, her family and friends, NASCAR Teams Hendrick and JR Motorsports, any Chevy NASCAR drivers, Siberian Huskies, Rizzoli & Isles, and General Hospital. She also loved everyone as Jesus does and helped anyone she could whenever she could. Her joyful demeanor was a comfort to everyone around her. After high school, Rebecca worked for Mixon Insurance and Realty. She became a stay at home mom after her first daughter was born. She later sold Avon, and when her girls were both in school, she worked as a cook at her in-laws’ grill. For many years, Rebecca also served as secretary for Southside Baptist Church.

Special thanks to the nurses, CNAs, Medical Assistants, technicians, food service workers, and doctors at UNC Nash General Hospital, UNC Nash Network, Boice Willis Clinic, and Autumn Care of Nash for caring for Rebecca through the years.

A Funeral Service to celebrate Rebecca’s life will be held on Friday, August 22, 2025, at 2:00 PM in the Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Ave., Rocky Mount, NC 27804, with Rev. Nathan Wittman officiating. A Private Burial will be held at Rocky Mount Memorial Park. Visitation with the family will be from 1:00 PM to 1:45 PM prior to the service at the Atrium of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the animal rescue of your choice, to Southside Baptist Church, or to the American Stroke Association are appreciated.

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.