Johnnie Garret Owens, Jr. was born in Hamilton, VA to the late Johnnie G. Owens and Joanna Mitchell

Owens on August 14, 1938. He resided his entire life in Hamilton, VA. Johnnie was a graduate of the

Historic Douglass High School in Leesburg, VA. Johnnie faithfully attended Mt. Zion United Methodist

Church, Hamilton, VA until his health prevented him from attending.

The union of Johnnie's parents produced 12 children (10 boys and 2 girls). Of the 12 children, nine boys

survived to adulthood. Johnnie was well known for his love of family. He was very close to his 8

brothers. They were often affectionately referred to as the Owens Boys. Johnnie is survived by 4

brothers: Joseph (Betty), Irving, Walter (Fannie), and Donald (Candis). He is also survived by sister-in-

laws: Henrietta, Diana, Patricia, Dorothy, and Debbie. He was preceded in death by brothers: James,

Lynwood, William, Frank, and Lewis. He was preceded in death by 2 sisters, who passed away as babies.

Johnnie was also preceded in death by his sister in law: Bettina

Johnnie was married 54 years to Elsie Romaine Brown Owens until her death in 2013. Romaine was a

devoted mother but of very short stature. He and his brothers would comment about how short the

people in her family were. Johnnie and Romaine's family were very close with one another. Johnnie and

Romaine's union produced 4 children, Sylvia, Darlene (James) and Tracy. Johnnie was preceded in death

by his son Lonnie. Johnnie and Romaine spent many years of their married lives raising their children

while he worked for Ivandale Floral Company. Johnnie remained at Ivandale for 42 years. Ivandale

became a significant part of his life. He developed a fondness for the Noll family and coworkers he met

along the way. His children remember their younger years while he worked at Ivandale. Those years

hold fond memories. They could often be seen following along behind Johnnie while he was working.

They enjoyed hanging with their Dad and helping him "close" the greenhouses. I'm sure at times they

were in the way more than actually helping, but he loved the opportunity to spend time with his

children. Plus, for many years there was a snack machine that was also a secret motivation for his kids.

There was also a big tractor that was synonymous with Ivandale. I think all of his children had a

chance to ride on that tractor. You best believe he made sure his Grandchildren had a chance to ride

the big tractor as well.

Johnnie then went on to work for the Loudoun County Schools as a Custodian. He closed out his years

with the school system working in Round Hill Elementary. They truly adored him. While out shopping

and in the Community his children would often be greeted by members of the staff of Round Hill

Elementary. They would tell of how much they loved having their Dad working at the school. He was

always so appreciative of his sister-in-law Henrietta for encouraging him to apply for the job. It was

really the right fit for him after leaving Ivandale.

Johnnie could often be seen riding down the streets of Hamilton listening to his oldies with him arm out

the window. He loved music and rarely missed an alumni dance at the fire hall. When his kids were

young and riding in the car with him and his oldies were playing, they would duck down in the seats.

They did this so their friends wouldn't see them riding in the car with that old music playing. How ironic

though that his children grew up to love the very same oldies that their Dad used to listen to. Johnnie

could also be seen in the Community helping others with their yard work or just checking on them to be

sure they had transportation where they needed to go. He had a big heart that cared about the welfare

of others. That heart was even big enough to take in a friend that he and his brothers met named

Gilberto. He even took in a stray cat, which was a HUGE surprise for everyone. One day his niece

Regina (Gee Gee) called his daughters to say, "your Dad is proud of that cat, but y'all I'm not sure what

he's trying to feed her, so I'm going to offer to help your Dad and ask if I can take the cat home with

me". Regina named the cat Sasha, and Johnnie could still check in on her.

Johnnie is survived by his 7 Grandchildren and 3 Great Grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a

Grandchild named Travis. His Grandchildren affectionately called him Dewey Dewey. They remember

him lovingly. Even his Granddaughter-in-Law called him Dewey Dewey as well. If you're scratching your

head wondering the significant meaning of Dewey Dewey. Let me save you time. There is none. When

the younger Grandkids were toddlers and would see him walking in the house, they would make excited

gibberish sounds that sounded like Dewey Dewey. Eventually their Nana would say "here comes the

Dewey Dewey man" and it stuck, so they started calling him Dewey Dewey. Naturally, his younger

Grandkids followed right along. Johnnie loved his Grandchildren not only by words but with action. He

was a huge part of their lives. He would leave his job every afternoon to pick up his Grandchildren from

school as his daughters were working parents. He did this for MANY years and never complained. I

think his Grandchildren will say that he was the best Grandfather, and they couldn't have asked for

better.

Johnnie also leaves a special niece, Elaina. He also had a special niece Regina (Gee Gee) who preceded

him in death. Johnnie leaves a host of special nieces, nephews and friends. Let's all honor his memory

by loving and taking care of one another. That's what family meant to him. This obituary might seem

very long, but Johnnie never boasted about what he did for others. He would offer his help in such a

quiet way, that this is well deserved in his memory.