Hazel J. Owens' Obituary
On April 8, 1931, Hazel Jeanne Mayes was born to Nora Bruner Mayes and Hayes Mayes Sr.Hazel attended Booker T. Washington Elementary and Carver Junior High Schools in Tulsa Oklahoma. After graduating Booker T. Washington High School in 1949, also in Tulsa, Oklahoma, she deferred entering college, to join the work force.While employed by Seiden Bach’s Department Store in downtown Tulsa, she was introduced to Willis Theodore Owens Jr. who was employed by Woolf Brothers Department Store also in downtown Tulsa, at the same time. Hazel and Theodore were introduced by Annie Mae Kramer, daughter of well-known North Tulsa hair care professional, Mattie Kramer. The couple soon married and began their family.Hazel held a variety of positions in the workforce from Personal Household Assistant to Gladys McClintock, the wife of R. Otis McClintock, the Chairman of the First National Bank of Tulsa. Being the “Class Act” she was, she diligently, exceptionally and proudly performed her duties at their penthouse apartment atop First National Bank, their home near 41st & Lewis and their ranch on what was the eastern outskirts of Tulsa, near 41st and Memorial. She also held various clerical positions at the Tulsa County Courthouse and elsewhere.After earning her Bachelor’s Degree in English from Langston University in Langston, Oklahoma, she served as a substitute teacher for a period of time. She then refocused on homemaking as her children approached college age.Hazel was well known for her sense of style and fashion. In clothing and in-home furnishings and design, she favored the contemporary. She loved music and dancing and preferred rhythm and blues and jazz. Some of her favorite artists were Sarah Vaughn and Nancy Wilson to Earth, Wind and Fire. Pharrell Williams’ “Happy” was one of her favorite songs of late.She was also well known for her outstanding gourmet cooking and baking. Seafood gumbo, homemade rolls, cinnamon rolls, German chocolate cake and the best fried chicken west of the Mississippi are among our family and friends’ favorites, just to name a few. She learned her culinary skills from her mother Nora, the proprietor of Mama Nora’s Chicken Shack, a popular eatery in north Tulsa, during its days of glory. So popular that soldiers and many other patrons from near and far would often go there to dine on a regular basis.Her leisure time activities were many and varied. She was an avid bridge player and was a member of numerous bridge clubs, often bringing home first prize. When male bridge players would assemble for a table or two of competition, due to her skill and style of play, she would often be the only female they would invite to join them. She too would often host the men in her home, in addition to many bridge club gatherings.Her love of literature was another of her distinguishing traits. She truly appreciated and thoroughly immersed herself in the power and the beauty of well written verse. As an avid lover of literature, Hazel participated as an active member of The Friends of Rudisill Library.Hazel Jeanne was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Willis Theodore Owens Jr.; brothers, Hayes Mayes Jr., Robert Isaac Mayes; William (father of Pittsburgh Pirates great Willie Stargell), Joseph and “Tunk” Stargell.She leaves to cherish her memories, daughters, Karen Rene Henry (Alfred Lawrence) and Terri Shawn Owens; sons, Theodore Keith Owens and Mark Terrence Owens; grandsons, Stephen Lawrence Henry and Haven Mark Terrence Owens. Also mourning her passing are brother-in law, Ronald Barry Owens; sisters-in-law, Edythe Owens and Patsy Owens; cousins, Sandra Jean Galloway and Weyman L. Edwards in addition to a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.Hazel truly believed in her Lord and Savior. She would often say “Lord Have Mercy” and she truly meant it.We will always and forever love, treasure and cherish our beloved Hazel Jeanne Mayes Owens, a wonderful wife, mother, relative, friend and compassionate human being.Memorial Service to be held 11:00 am Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019 at Christ Temple CME in Tulsa, Oklahoma I’M FREE Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free.I’m following the path God has chosen for me.I took His hand when I heard him call,I turned my back and left it all.I could not stay another day,To laugh, to love, to work or play.Tasks left undone must stay that way,I’ve now found peace at the end of the day.If my parting has left a void,Then fill it with remembered joy.A friendship shared, a laugh a kiss,Oh yes, these things, I too will miss.Be not burdened with times of sorrow,Look for the sunshine of tomorrow.My life’s been full, I savored much,Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch.Perhaps my time seems all too brief,Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.Lift up your heart and share with me,God wanted me now, He set me free.
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