Barbara Jean Owens

Barbara Jean Johnson was born on June 3, 1929, the 13th of thirteen children of John D. Johnson and Hattie Irving Johnson on Hocker Hill in Independence, MO. Barbara Jean, a product of the Independence public school system, graduated from Lincoln High School in Kansas City, MO, in 1946. Shortly after graduating, she was married to Thomas E. Owens Sr. on December 1, 1946. Of their union, four children were born: Thomas E. Owens Jr., Timothy E. Owens, Theda E. Owens, and Teneice E. Owens.

The Owens family joined Salem Baptist church (KCK) in 1964. Barbara Jean was a member of the Salem Baptist church Usher Board for over 50 years. Barbara Jean was a stay-at-home mother before embarking on a career with Trans World Airlines (TWA) in 1979, where she would retire in 1991. A dedicated servant of the Lord, she faithfully taught and led the church nursery, pouring love into generations of children. Barbara Jean enjoyed sewing, art, cooking, crafting, and caring for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was an avid bridge player and joined a bridge club where she would spend many weeks learning the game with friends.

Barbara Jean peacefully made her transition into heaven on Thursday. February 12, 2026, at the age of 96, surrounded by her family. She’s preceded in death by her parents. John D. Johnson and Hattie Irving Johnson, all thirteen brothers and sisters, her Husband Thomas E. Owens Sr., her son Timothy E. Owens, her daughter Teneice E. Owens, her grandson Thomas E. Owens III, and her great-grandson Eric Easterwood.

She leaves to cherish her legacy by her son, Thomas E. Owens Jr. (Cheryl Owens), and her daughter Theda E. Young. Her grandchildren, Nichelle Young. Timothy E. Owens (Kelly Owens), Christina Jenkins (DeRhon Jenkins), and Erica Young. Her great-grandchildren are Ty Owens(Carlie), Jalen Owens, Sierra Lee, Kayleigh Owens, Shawn Lee, Jauclynn Owens, Leigha Easterwood. Reginald Easterwood, Eric Easterwood, Aubrey Jenkins, and Eva Thomas. Her great-great-grandchildren: Blake, Blair, Parker, Courtney, Theo, Da’Lonie, Amada, and Declan.

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