Mildred Cora Dyer Owens, school bus driver
Mildred Cora Dyer Owens, 93, transitioned peacefully from this earthly life Monday, Feb. 6, 2017, at Virginia Beach General Hospital. The daughter of the late George Dyer and Janie Butts Dyer, she was born Jan. 24, 1924, in Wallaceton, Va.
She received her primary schooling in the Norfolk public school system, and later in the Philadelphia school system. A young bride, Sister Owens married William McKinley Owens Aug. 5, 1939, and remained a loving wife for 52 years until his death. Of that union were born three daughters, Wilhelmina, Ada and Joan. Sister Owens is predeceased by her husband, the Rev. William McKinley Owens; daughter Wilhelmina Olee Owens; son-in-law, Arnold Jay Parham; and grandson Jay Owens Parham.
Sister Owens is survived by her loving daughters, Ada J. Taylor (Roy) and Joan O. Parham (predeceased Jay); grandson William George Parham (Michele); granddaughter Cynthia Veree Jenkins (Apostle Lafayette); nieces, Mary Hall (predeceased John Wesley), Peggy McCall (predeceased Mance Jr.), Geraldine Wright (Robert), Charlotte O. White, Hildegarde Richardson (Andrew), Martha Lee Shivers (Mike), Yolanda Barrow (Ray); nephews, Bishop William Kellam (Dawn), Charles Owens (Cora); and a host of adored great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and wonderful friends.
Sister Owens was a wonderful housewife for many years, but she also pursued and had a full work life. She completed her nursing courses and became a graduate practical nurse during her early years of marriage. As her children became older, she became a school bus driver and contractor with the State of Delaware. "Miss Mildred," as her school bus children fondly called her, was dedicated to her students’ safe transportation and their well-being. She loved her bus kids and they loved her. Miss Mildred drove school buses in Delaware for 20 years and received many commendations and recognitions.
Sister Owens was a kind and gentle soul who accepted the Lord at an early age. She was active in the A.M.E. churches where her husband pastored and served for many years. In her later years, she became affiliated with Trinity Faith Christian Center in Fruitland, Md., under the leadership of the Rev. Violet Jones and maintained her Christian fellowship there until her passing.
Home Going Services for Sister Owens will include a viewing Saturday, Feb. 11, from 2 to 4 p.m., at Community Funeral Home, 1210 Ballentine Blvd., Norfolk, Va.; a viewing will be held Sunday, Feb. 12, from 3 to 5 p.m., at Miller Funeral Home, 11475 Commercial Lane, Unit -C, Laurel. Funeral Services will be held Monday, Feb. 13, at Trinity Faith Christian Center, 110 Broadway St., Fruitland. Interment will follow the funeral services at Old Field Cemetery, Route 24, Millsboro.
