Elizabeth Manning Owens

Elizabeth Manning Owens, 61, of Roanoke, Virginia, was called home to be with our Lord on January 27, 2012 after a brave battle with lung cancer. Elizabeth was the loving daughter of the late Irene (Renie) Manning and the late Larry Clayton Manning, both of Richmond, Virginia; and devoted and caring wife of the late Jeffrey Leroy Owens. Leaving to treasure many happy memories are her daughter, Beth-Ann Owens Lugar and husband, David Lynn Lugar; and her son, Jeffrey Scott Owens and wife, Nicole Williamson Owens, all of Salem, Virginia. Elizabeth cherished every moment with her three grandchildren, Makayla Nicole Owens, Jeffrey Scott Owens II, and Emma Paige Lugar. Also left to pass on her memory are her sister, Nita Jones and brother-in-law, Bobby Jones, of Richmond, Virginia; sister, Linda Manning of Nashville, Tennessee; brother, Butch Manning and sister-in-law, Gloria Manning, of Richmond, Virginia; nieces, Kimberly Clark, Heather Manning, and Michelle Freemon; and nephews, Wayne Jones, Todd Freemon, Blair Manning, and Andrew Manning, and their spouses and children. Elizabeth was a dedicated and adoring wife and mother who spent every moment enjoying her children and grandchildren. She will be remembered by friends and family as a creative, witty lady who loved to share jokes, laughs, and make others laugh. She was an avid lover of poetry, the English language, and European history. Her fondest memories with the family were those spent together at the beach. Friends and family will fondly remember her bright smile, clever humor, generous spirit, and her firecracker personality. She had such a brilliant light within her. She will be sincerely missed by all who loved her. Family and friends will gather to remember and celebrate her life on Saturday, February 4, 2012 at the John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem, Virginia. Family members are welcome from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., and friends may join them for an open visitation from 1 to 2 p.m. A service will immediately follow at 2 p.m. with Pastor Robert Alderman officiating. Flowers are welcome and may be sent to the funeral home at 305 Roanoke Boulevard in Salem, Virginia 24153. Elizabeth will be laid to rest next to her loving husband at Sherwood Memorial Park. All are welcome to join in a brief graveside service. The Owens family is being served by John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem, 540-389-5441.