Theresa Owens

Theresa Owens, daughter of the late Edgar and Janie Phillips Shorter, was born in Lafayette County on June 13, 1937. She accepted Christ as her Savior as a young girl and joined Harrisonville M.B. Church. 

Therese received her early education in the community school in which she lived.  She united in matrimony to Lynn Bell Owens and this union, six sons were born. One son, preceded her in death.

Theresa resided in Illinois for a period of time after which she returned to Mississippi where she reunited with her home church, Harrisonville, and became a dedicated and faithful member. She served on the Mother Board, where she could be seen during any service at the church, sitting on her pew, in the Mother Board corner. Her favor program was the Black History Program. She would read passages from books by black authors during the annual Black History program and he had a whole Black History shelf at her home. She loved black history.

Mother Theresa was a longtime resident of the West Springhill community and could be often be found doing what she loved to do, gardening, taking pictures, riding around, feeding the cat and chickens, going to church, watching western movies, or just sitting outside relaxing.   

After a brief illness, Mother Theresa made a swift transition to be with the Lord. She passed away peacefully early Wednesday morning, April 1, 2020, at her home.

She is lovingly remembered by her sons: Frank Owens, Curtis Owens, Lynn Owens< and Jerry Owens, all of Oxford MS and Ricky (Melinda) Owens of Indianapolis IN; her primary care giver/grandson, Courtney Hodges; her brothers: Edgar Shorter, Jr. and Bobby Shorter both of Chicago IL; her other eight grandchildren; and 19 great grandchildren; She also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Mother Theresa is preceded in death by her parents: Edgar and Janie Shorter; her husband: Lynn Bell Owens; her son, Toney Owens, and siblings: Ester Mae Shorter, Rosa Shorter, Romade Shorter, William Shorter, and James Shorter.

Please keep the Owen family in your prayers.