Beverly was born in Springfield, Missouri on May 26, 1941, to Charles and Josephine Mabe (Dingeldein). Her early years were spent on West College Street before the family moved to the neighboring community of Galloway. There at age 16, a young man named Terry Owen knocked on the door and asked to speak to her. Surprised by the visit, Beverly came to the door with her hair in curlers. Nonetheless, she sat on the front porch with him and the two talked for over an hour. Thus began a two-year courtship.

Beverly graduated from Parkview High School in May 1959. The following September, she and Terry were married. They remained happily so until her death on May 25^th, 2023, just a few months short of their 64^th anniversary and one day shy of turning 82. She was a member of Evangel Temple Church in Springfield.

Beverly is survived by her loving husband and three children who adored her very much. A daughter, Shelli Gilbert and her husband Bill, son Mike Owen and his wife Carolyn, and son Charles Owen and his wife Sandy. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Regina Townes, six grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren and a host of other family and friends. Preceding her in death were her parents and her only sibling, Joann Koonce.

Beverly, affectionately known as Mema, was the matriarch of our family. She came to know Jesus at a young age and determined that her children would as well. That love for our Savior now permeates each generation.

Mema loved each of us dearly. Rarely did a day go by that she didn’t mention how grateful to God she was for the blessing of our family. We often got together at a moment’s notice just to be together. Even on the day of her death, the family gathered at their home for lunch and then later that evening at another home for a family bonfire. That’s what we do. That’s what she loved. Her family meant everything to her, and we’ll miss her dearly. However, each of us realize that our days are numbered by our gracious creator and that we will spend eternity together in due time.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to the Royal Family Kids Camp, a ministry Beverly supported.

Please go to link below and click on “Funds.”

https://etchurch.shelbynextchms.com/external/form/17cda88b-8b3e-455f-90c9-8f3e6d0775bd