Mary Virginia Rowell Lee Owens

Brunswick – Mary “Virginia” Rowell Lee Owens, 87, of Brunswick passed away early Friday morning (June 28, 2024) at Hospice of South Georgia in Jesup after an extended illness.

Born in Hortense, GA her parents were Matthew Harry Rowell and Eva May Roberson Rowell. She is also preceded in death by her first husband, Samuel Dean Lee who she married December 31, 1955 until his death on February 11, 1997; her second husband, Ludwig Lonnie Owens who she married March 7, 1998 until his death on August 27, 2012; 6 siblings, Matthew Harry Rowell, Jr., Eva June Rowell Moreland, Franklin Heyward Rowell, Luther Herbert Rowell, Martha Nell Rowell Anderson, and Mark Edwin Rowell; and a son, David Lonnie Owens.

Virginia graduated from Nahunta High School, Nahunta, Georgia with the Class of 1955 and was employed by the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center for 37 years, retiring in 1992 as Administrative Assistant. She was also employed by Navy Department at Glynco as Assistant Housing Project Manager before transferring to FLETC.

Her words: “My life has always been one of serving through music. I began playing piano for church at the age of 14 and continued playing for churches in Hortense, Brunswick and Waynesville until eyesight became poor. I also played piano for a gospel music group for 7 years traveling all over the state of Georgia and Florida, ministering in churches, nursing homes and other activities.

Survivors include a sister and brother-in-law, Reba Joyce Rowell Horn (Bob) of Santa Fe, TX; her children, Donna Laree Owens, Amy Owens, wife of the late David Lonnie Owens and Ashley Alice Owens Rowell (Phillip) all of Brunswick; 2 grandchildren, Joshua Rowell and Lonnie Rowell both of Brunswick; and also several nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service Tuesday morning (July 2, 2024) starting at 10am at Frye Funeral Home, Nahunta.

A funeral service will be held Tuesday morning (July 2, 2024) at 11am at the chapel of Frye Funeral Home with Rev. Larry Daughtry and Rev. Earl Lamey officiating. Burial will follow in High Bluff Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Tim Anderson, Tony Rowell, Chris Johnson, Pat Rowell, Scott Rowell and Dylan Rowell.

Arrangements are with Frye Funeral Home, Nahunta.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online registry at www.fryefh.com .