Judy C. Owens

Judy Catherine Fox Owens, age 80 years old, of Jefferson City, Missouri, passed away Wednesday, November 18, 2020, at University Hospital Columbia surrounded by her family. She was born on September 11, 1940 in Jefferson City, Missouri, the daughter of Sidney E. and Dorothy D. Fox. She was married on September 3, 1962 in Miami, Oklahoma to Harold E. "Whitey" Owens. A lifelong resident of Jefferson City, Judy was a graduate of Jefferson City High School. She attended Tarkio College, Jefferson City Campus. Judy was employed in multiple positions through her professional life including a position with the Missouri Association of Social Welfare, owner of Mode O'Day dress shop in downtown Jefferson City, and assistant to Missouri State Senator William J. Cason. She retired on December 1, 1995 with 18 years of service as an executive secretary with the Missouri House of Representatives, House Research office. Judy was involved in numerous community and civic activities including: American Cancer Society, United Way of Jefferson City, Beta Sigma Phi Social Sorority, president of the Eastside Betterment Association, Jefferson City Chamber Commerce, East School PTA executive board member and fundraising co-chairman, East School Brownie leader, and volunteer probation officer Cole County Juvenile Attention Center. Judy and her husband Harold also fostered a daughter and mentored other youths through their involvement with the Juvenile Attention Center. She was elected in 1988 as City Councilman for the City of Jefferson. Judy was named to Who's Who in Missouri and Outstanding Young Women of America. She was a 1976 delegate (Democrat) to local, congressional and state presidential caucus. She was also invited to attend and celebrate the inauguration in Washington, DC by President and Mrs. Carter. Judy and her husband Harold were also active in campaigns for William Cason and Jerry Litton, as well as others. Judy was very proud of the website she created and hosted "Collections by LadyJaye" (www.ladyjayes.com) which shared her favorite music with people around the world. Judy also served as the channel manager for the "50 & Fantastic" chat channel in the late 90's. Of all the accomplishments Judy had in her life, her family was the most precious. She is survived by her loving husband of 58 years, Harold "Whitey" Owens; daughters, Tawney Lynne Owens Laucks, Tasha Layne Owens, and Tami Lea Owens Ramelb, all of Jefferson City; sister, Joan Davies (Rich) of Nixa; brother, Sidney E. "Gene" Fox Jr. of Eldon; seven grandchildren, Christopher Burns (Brittany), Tyler Schanuth, Colter Laucks (Krystal), Callie Laucks, Caysee Temmen, Owen Ramelb, and Sam Ramelb, all of Jefferson City; and two great-grandchildren, Kaydee Crabtree and Jaxton Burns. She is also survived by four nephews, two nieces, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., Monday, November 23, 2020 at Freeman Mortuary. The general public is welcome to attend the visitation following social distancing guidelines. Please stay six feet apart and wear a personal mask. A private funeral service will be held in the Freeman Chapel with Pastor Hannah Coe officiating. A private graveside service will follow at Riverview Cemetery. A webcast of the funeral service will begin at 1:00 p.m. Monday for friends and family that are not able to attend by going to her memorial page on Freeman Mortuary's website. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church Jefferson City, Missouri Special Olympics, or the American Cancer Society. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary. www.freemanmortuary.com