Alma S.

Owens

Mrs. Alma S. Owens, 88, born on November 30, 1936, the Trumpet sounded and Alma S. Owens heard and answered the call of the Master for her final earthly appointment in the early morning hours on November 28, 2025.

Her strong faith in God began in early childhood resulting in her dedicating her life to serving Him. Alma [alongside husband Ermon Sr. joined Truevine Baptist Church, serving in many capacities, however her most cherished role was serving as the Mother of Truevine.

Educated in the pipeline of the Columbia County school system, Alma was a proud graduate of Richardson High School. She continued her education at both Edward Waters and Santa Fe Community College, culminating with her earning an MBA from Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida.

Her professional career began when she stepped out on faith to become a business owner operating her own salon on Patterson Street in Lake City, Florida, where she met what would later become her lifelong friend from Webster, FL. As her level of expertise increased, she was eager to share her knowledge and experience with others, thus accepting the position to become a Cosmetology Instructor at Florida Gateway Community College (formerly Lake City Community College) in 1974.

At the pinnacle of her career, Alma matriculated to become the first Black Director of Cosmetology at Lake City Community College. Due to effective oversight of the program, graduates were able to successfully begin their own careers. She joined her students in hair show competitions across the Southeast Region and became the first Black panel judge on the Florida National Hair Fashion Committee, marking another significant milestone. She collaborated with renowned figures like Ollie Benson and played a key role at Bronner Brothers Hair Shows in Atlanta.

After spending decades serving in a career in which she thrived, Alma retired in 1994, passing the torch after making an indelible mark in the business. Remaining active, she valued community service and was a member of the Richardson Roundup, American Cancer Society, Lake City Woman's Club, Live Long & Like It Club, and served in multiple church ministries. She was an avid traveler, enjoying trips to Barcelona, Rome, Madrid, Alaska, and she loved any beach she crossed paths with to watch the sun rise and set over God's wonderful creation.

Preceding her in death are Children: Elizabeth Owens, and Ermon Owens, Jr., Grandchild: Eldrenia Owens-Edwards, Mothers: Eva Lewis / (Adoptive) Willie M. Simmons, Father: Will Alexander, Brothers: Napoleon, Aaron, John, & Fred Lewis.

Forever holding Alma's memory close to their hearts is her husband of 72 years, Ermon Owens, Sr., Sisters: Carolyn Owens of Jacksonville, Gussie Henderson, Lake City, Daughters: Glenda Taylor, Lake City, Sylvia Owens-Swain, Atlanta, Son: Kenneth Owens, Lake City, Bonus Granddaughter: Clanitra Kelsey who was always ever-present by her side, 8 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, the Watertown Community, devoted family members and friends remembering what she represented as the Matriarch of this family.

Homegoing services for Alma S. Owens will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 11:00am, at Olivet Missionary Baptist Church, 541 NE Davis Ave, Lake City, FL 32055. 386.752.1990. Visitation/viewing is scheduled exclusively from 10:00am to 11:00am prior to the service.