Wanda Lynn Owens

Wanda Lynn Owens (August 25, 1948-June 10, 2026)

Wanda Owens departed this life on Wednesday, June 10, 2026. She fought a good fight from complications of dementia.

Wanda was born in Philadelphia, MS. Her early childhood was spent in the Magnolia Projects in New Orleans. Her most sacred memories were with her great-aunt Baby doll, Mama Ethal and Daddy Po’boy. She attended People’s Nursery School, and Greater St. Stephen’s Baptist Church. Wanda began singing in the church.

Her parents Helen Parrish and Ernest Waites made Neptune, NJ home. As a military brat Wanda was fortunate to live abroad in Permasance, Germany. She was immersed in German culture and language. Wanda was also fluent in German. She studied German all the way through college.

She was very involved in extracurricular activities at Neptune High School. Cheerleading being one of her favorites.

Wanda continued her academic journey at Tennessee State University. She graduated in 1974 with a degree in Sociology.

During the end of her time at Tennessee State University she met her future husband, Gerald Nelson Owens.

In 1975, Jerry and Wanda married in a beautiful ceremony on Thanksgiving Day.  They made Cincinnati, Ohio their home. And continued their life as a P&G Family along with their little girl, Leah.

Wanda and her husband continued to expand their family adding Mark, and Maya.

Jerry and Wanda came to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. They were active members of Israel Baptist Church in Hamilton, Ohio. It was at Israel Baptist that her choral arranging flourished. Wanda and Jerry started a gospel music ministry where Wanda sang, and Jerry played the guitar. Together they wrote and arranged original music.

At an early age, Wanda became a widow. She raised her 2 young children by herself. She was very active in her local community, both Forest Park and Greater Cincinnati. Starting the Forest Park Gospel Fest. She also completed an album dedicated her late husband. And it was re-released in 2006.

Eventually, Wanda began her ceramics career at Clovernook Center for the Blind. She was featured in exhibits throughout Cincinnati. And hosted her own one woman shows at Clovernook. She also won multiple awards and honors because of her ceramics.

Wanda was a Diamond Life Member of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. She was initiated through the Alpha Xi Chapter at Tennessee State University in Fall 1971. And she pledged blind. She served as the Chaplain of the Cincinnati Alumnae Chapter for many years.

She was a member of Great Commission Bible Church. She served in the music industry during her time there.

Wanda leaves to cherish her memory: her children Leah, Mark (Lisa), Maya. Grandchildren: India, Jakoi, Immanuel, and Makaia. Great-grandchildren: Ileana Rose, Naloni Lynn. Brother-in-law: Daniel Owens (Cheryl). And a host of family and friends.

Wanda was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald N. Owens, Mother: Helen Parrish , father: Ernest C. Waites, and her guide dog: Calder Owens.

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