Johnnie Mae

"Grudy" Owens

On Saturday, November 12, 1932, Johnnie Mae Williams Owens was born to the late Willie Floyd and Alive Mack Williams in Griffin, Georgia. She was raised by her grandparents, the late John and Jessie Mack, who affectionately called her "Grudy". She attended Pike County Training School and played basketball. She always said her late sister, Willie Bell (Bill) was the basketball star. Her brother, the late Robert Ellis also preceded her in death. She joined the Mt. Hope Baptist Church and served faithfully on several auxiliaries until her health declined.

"Grudy" was an excellent cook and began working as a domestic laborer for several white families at a young age in the Zebulon Communities. Her talents led her to work in the lunchroom at East Pike Schools, Pike County High School and retiring at Pike County Middle School.

Johnnie Mae caught the eye of the late Mr. Hamp Owens, Jr., and this union was blessed with five children. Cherishing her memories are her children, Benjamin (Mary), Michael (Denia), Barbara (Alton), Ronnie (Melinda), and Portia (Robert). She is loved by her siblings, Harold, Leonard (Virginia), Gail, Josephine, Belinda, Lillian, Willie Floyd, Jr., and Jerome. Her siblings-in-law are Virdell, Elsie, and Jackie; her grandchildren were her pride and joy, Eric (Kera), Mario (Lisa), Mike (Jamaica), Tanisha, Duke, Derek (Lorean), Derrick (Kristal), Amber (Willie), Tomika (Dantanio) Ciara, Alton, Jr., Reginald, Ronnie, Jr., (Courtney), Willie (Naomi), Quentin, Ronald, Michelle (Thomas), and Justin. A host of great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren will miss her dearly.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 13, 2023, from 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM at Burden's Funeral Home.
A Home Going Celebration will be held on Thursday, September 14, 2023, at 11:00 AM in the Chapel at Burden's Funeral Home. The body will lie in state one hour prior to the service hour. Interment will follow in Moody's Memorial Gardens. Elder Ronnie Owens (her son) is the Eulogist.

"We Are Family Helping Family With Quality Affordable Services". Burden's Funeral Home, 1512 Williamson Road is in charge of arrangements. For more information please visit our website at www.burdensfuneralhome.net or call 678-603-1666.