Arthur James "Jay" Owensby

It is with very heavy hearts that we inform you of the passing from this life of Mr. Arthur James "Jay" Owensby, 87, a native and life-long resident of Roanoke, Alabama.  Mr. Owensby was recently widowed due to the passing of his recently deceased wife, Mrs. Maggie Lois (Hooks) Owensby.   Mr. Owensby peacefully transitioned from this life on Monday, April 26, 2021, at his residence in Roanoke. 

Arthur James (Jay) Owensby was born April 13, 1934 to the parentage of the late Harvey and Carrie Owensby.

On November 8, 1952, at age 18, Jay united in marriage with Ms. Maggie Lois Hooks.   Their union was fruitful, giving rise to thirteen (13) children.   In keeping with their marriage vows, Jay and Maggie remained together over 68 years -- until separated by Maggie's death on Saturday morning, March 6, 2021 at their home on MLK Drive in Roanoke.  

He worked as a truck driver for Roanoke Packing House until becoming disabled in December of 1971.

Jay was preceded in death by his wife, Maggie; father and mother, Harvey and Carrie Owensby; brother, Willie Lewis Owensby; brother-in-law, Robert Joiner, Jr.; his grandparents-in-law, Tom and Dora Hooks; one (1) daughter Mary Howell; and three (3) sons: Harvey, Ricky, and Joseph Owensby.

He leaves to cherish many fond loving memories, one (1) sister, Betty Joiner of Roanoke, AL;  five (5) sons: Willie, Billy, and Reginald Owensby all of Roanoke, AL;  Larry Owensby (Lesia) and Christopher Owensby, Sr. both of Jacksonville, FL; five (5) daughters: Margert Wright (Lorenzia) of Fayetteville, NC; Barbara Driver of Roanoke, AL, Betty Owensby of Griffin, GA, Susan Cooper (Clifford) of Roanoke, and Shirley Langston of Austell, GA;  thirty-one (31) grandchildren; twenty-eight (28) great-grandchildren; three (3) great-great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Ocie Appleby; sisters-in-law:  Maime Berry, Betty Jane Berry, and Tommie Lou Turner, caregivers: Terrell Johnson, Amedisys, Compassus Hospice, and his children; a special cousin, Virgil Holt, special friend, Calvin Broome; and a host of other beloved kindred and friends who may not be named here at this time, but are nevertheless in our hearts., and many other loving neighbors, relatives, and friends.

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