HELEN ARBUTUS OWENS

Helen Arbutus Owens was born April 10, 1941 to John and Bertha Owens.  She gained her Heavenly wings on Sunday, February 6, 2021 after suffering a short illness.  She had 6 siblings; Don (deceased) (Tana) Owens; Ralph (deceased) (Fay) Owens, Gary (Loretta-deceased) Owens of Florida, Eddie (Ann) Owens of Haysi and Wilma (Mike) Fuller of Haysi.  Helen grew up with a large family and lived near them all of her life. Her sister Wilma, was her loyal companion and devoted many years to supporting and helping her.  Helen was blessed with the type of family relationship that most only dream of having.  

Helen was a devoted member of Frying Pan Independent Baptist Church where she attended for many years. Her church and church family were a very important part of her life, and she made her love for God known to all around her.    

As the sole owner of JDM Deli Mart in Bee and JDM Deli Mart II in Sandlick, Helen built her business on hard work, dedication, and love.  She cared deeply for her customers and shared her delicious food with thousands. Cooking and caring for people was truly her gift and her customers were her friends.  She treated each one as someone special.

Helen raised three children; Joey (Diana Stapleton, Fiancé) Owens of Haysi, Denechia (Keith) Edwards of Clinchco, Mickey (Amy) Owens of Haysi and gave them endless love. She was later blessed with 10 grandchildren; Krista (Chris) Anderson, Tabitha (Kevin) Stanley, Cody Edwards, Andy (Erin) Edwards, Brittney (Mark) Blankenship, Toby Edwards, Maggie (Ryan) Mullins, Austin Owens, Zoe Owens, and Gavin Owens. Her grandchildren were her greatest joy and she spoiled each one with the kind of love that will live in their hearts forever. 

Her grandchildren blessed her with seven great-grandchildren; Caden Anderson, Parker Anderson, Sophie Anderson, Lucus Blankenship, Isaiah Blankenship, Enslee Blankenship, and Collin Stanley.  Her great-grandchildren melted her heart.  She loved and adored each one and enjoyed every moment playing and snuggling with them. 

Helen will be missed by all of her family and friends.

Funeral services were conducted Thursday, February 11, 2021 at 11 a.m. at Splashdam Freewill Baptist Church with Paul Rose officiating. Burial followed at Arrington Cemetery, Laurel Branch.

Pallbearers were Cody Edwards, Toby Edwards, Andy Edwards, Gavin Owens, Austin Owens, Ryan Mullins, Mark Blankenship and Chris Anderson. Honorary pallbearer was Kevin Stanley. A visitation was held Wednesday, February 10, 2021 after 4:30 p.m. with a song service that followed at 7 p.m.

Online condolences may be sent to www.haysifuneral@yahoo.com.

Haysi Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.