Obituary of Thermond Owens

Thermond Earl Owens was born to the late Earl and Elmond Owens on April 10, 1944, the youngest of 9 siblings. He departed this life for life eternal on Wednesday, September 19, 2012 at Vassar Brothers Hospital. He is predeceased by two brothers; Earl Edward and Clarence and three sisters; Ernestine Brickhouse, Cazetta Fenner, and Melvina Daniels. Sibling survivors include: Richard (Margie) of Plymouth, NC, Wade (Aselee) of Columbia, NC and Shirley Owens of Brooklyn, NY. Thermond graduated from Columbia High School in Columbia, North Carolina. He joined the military shortly thereafter, courageously serving in the Vietnam War. In 1977 he was joined in holy matrimony with Bettie Jo Ashe and relocated to Poughkeepsie, New York where he worked at Western Publishing for several years and then accepted a position as a Computer Technician at IBM where he retired in May of 2012. Thermond became a member of Salem Baptist Church in Columbia, NC., at a very early age and continued to be a faithful Christian as a member of Beulah Baptist Church where he served in the Men's Choir and in the Seniors' Usher Ministry. He looked forward to learning God's word as well as enjoying worshipping and praising with his Beulah family. He was a faithful and humble servant of God. Thermond leaves behind an adoring wife of 35 years, Bettie Jo Owens, whom he loved dearly. His legacy continues through his two sons; William White (Denise) of NC and Donovan Ashe (Traci) of Kingston, NY; four daughters, Pamela Gatlin-Robinson (James) of Durham, NC, Oona Sharper of Raleigh, NC, Takessia Pitcher and Candace Owens of Poughkeepsie, NY; thirteen grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren, and a honorary son, David Gatlin. He leaves behind one brother in law, Melvin Ashe and three sister-in-laws; Debra Ashe of Creswell, NC and Cora Littlejohn and Marilyn Ashe both of Poughkeepsie, NY. He also leaves behind a host of other loving relative, his church family and many special friends who treasured him greatly. Thermond was a loving father who spent his life working hard to provide a good life for his family. He loved dressing in the latest fashion, buying cologne and jewelry, and most importantly helping others. He absolutely enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. Thermond's children and grandchildren loved and cherished him dearly. "Granddad" was always seizing the opportunity to entertain, teach and guide them; offering advice, encouragement and praise at every moment. His children loved and respected him as a provider, nurturer, and protector. A Home Going Celebration will be conducted on Wednesday 26, 2012 at Beulah Baptist Church, 92 Catherine Street, Poughkeepsie, NY. A wake will begin at 10am, funeral services will begin at 11am. Reverend Jesse V. Bottoms, Jr., Pastor will officiate. In lieu of flowers the family asks that a heartfelt memorial donation be made in Thermond's memory to the American Heart Association at: http://donate.americanheart.org/ecommerce/donation/acknowledgement. Arrangements are under the direction of the Timothy P. Doyle Funeral Home 371 Hooker Ave. Poughkeepsie, New York 12603. If you would like to leave an online condolence or to light a memorial candle please visit www.doylefuneralhome.com