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Condolences:
Flo Ingram Hunter
Shirley Owens was one of the first people to welcome me to Fernandina back in the late 80s. She, then as now, had the same wide open house and wide open heart to welcome everyone, including this stranger. Right up to her final days, Shirley wanted to make sure her family and closest friends knew she was Ok. That she was at peace. That she was ready for her journey. What a typically selfless, final gift Shirley Owens left behind before leaving us! Thank you Shirley, we miss you already. All my love to the Owens/Berg clan. Flo Ingram Hunter November 30, 2022
Hope Lee
Shirley was on my very first pastor nominating committee when I was called to First Pres., 20 years ago. She was loving, gracious, compassionate, and joyful. She and Ken lived the Gospel so faithfully. I can only imagine what a magnificent day in Glory it was when Shirley arrived. Praying for the peace the passes all understanding for the Owens Family.
Karen Langshaw
much love to this wonderful woman's family. I met Shirley through Montessori school when our children attended. What a warm and kind lady she was.
Erika and Jeff Zimmerman
Shirley will be truly missed. Her loved for others shined through her kind smile and service at Presbyterian church and the Fernandina Beach community. Shirley has been very helpful to me. She has driven me to appointments and cooked me meals. Love for Jesus shined through Shirley.
Judith H. Turner
Dear Ken and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Always think of her as your comfort in your darkest moments,your companion in your illuminated ones and your eternal inspiration. You and yours are in our families prayers.
Lisa and Joe Waas
Shirley was a truly beautiful person. She was kind, thoughtful, sweet, organized, and was generous of her time and talents in whatever project she tackled to make our town and her church a better place. She will be missed greatly by her friends and family.
Terri and Jeff Sanders
Shirley will be remembered as a kind and generous neighbor. She welcomed us to the neighborhood and quickly became a treasured friend.
Mat purvis
L Dr. Owens, Kelly, Scott and family so sorry for your loss Mrs. Owens such a great and generous person. I will never forget her coming to my rescue after breaking my collarbone in her front yard attempting to skateboard down Wolf Street hill God bless.
Linda Morris
My friend, Shirley, was an example of the consummate southern lady, approaching all people and situations with grace. I always felt uplifted when leaving her presence. May God's grace and peace be with Ken and the children in the days ahead.
Ray & Marcia Cline
We got acquainted with Ken and Shirley soon after moving to Fernandina Beach. She was truly a special person in this community and will missed by so many. Our condolences to Ken and family.
McArthur YMCA Staff and Susan Rodriguez
We are deeply sadden by Shirley passing and we and I will miss seeing her. Prayers for the family and friends.
Susan and Thomas and Lilly and Steven and Erica Rodriguez
Shirley will be truly missed by so many people, I and my family will always remember so many great memories at First Presbyterian.
Trisha and Dick Kenner
Shirley was an Angel on earth to all who knew her. She will glorify Heaven to its highest. It was very appropriate that she was born on the day of Love, Valentines Day.
Brooke Raulerson
Such a sweet person and always smiling and happy. I will miss seeing her for all of her home projects and design ideas!
Marcy & Bill Mock
Our sincere condolences to the entire Owens family. Shirley was such a special person and will be missed by all. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Lisa Flick
Shirley was one of the kindest souls I’ve ever had the honor of knowing. Her kind spirit will be sorely missed in this community.
Michael Love
I am sad to see this. Shirley Owens always answered the call when something needed to be done. When I was with the newspaper, she and I interacted (and laughed) a lot. My condolences to Dr. Owens and famoly.
Chris Bryan
Shirley will be missed by so many. Her love of her family, friends, church were shown everyday. Thank you Shirley for being a special friend.
Shirley Nelson Owens
2022-11-27
Shirley Nelson Owens February 14, 1944 - November 27, 2022. Shirley Nelson Owens of Fernandina Beach, Florida, died peacefully at her home on November 27th, with her loving husband by her side. She lived a beautiful life with an abiding grace, faith, and concern for others. She will forever be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, teacher and friend.
A resident of Fernandina Beach since 1971, Shirley was a dedicated volunteer and fundraiser for countless community projects. She co-founded the Fernandina Beach High School Foundation, served on the board of the McArthur Family YMCA and gave her time vigorously to America’s Youth, Barnabas and all of the local schools in Fernandina. Among Shirley’s many passions, she was first a devoted member of the First Presbyterian Church, where she served as a session member and particularly relished her role as a Sunday school teacher. Shirley co-chaired the capital campaign to build a new Sunday school facility and most recently served on the nominating committee to bring Reverend Dawn Mayes to First Presbyterian as Senior Pastor and Head of Staff. Shirley was a tireless contributor to a church community from which she took immeasurable comfort and spiritual strength.
Shirley Nelson was born on Valentine’s Day 1944, in Titusville, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Richard and Lucille Nelson, while her father was deployed in the Pacific. At the age of 10 her family relocated from Summit, New Jersey to Jacksonville where she met her husband Ken, while attending DuPont High School. She graduated from Florida State University in 1966 and thereafter earned her master’s degree in education from the University of Maryland. Shirley was a truly dedicated teacher not only in the classroom, but through her work at Sunday school, vacation Bible school, America’s Youth and countless teaching moments with everyone she knew.
Shirley always prayed for others, loved to open her home to friends and family, and uniquely found positivity in everything around her. She treasured bike rides with her husband, walks on the beach with her children and arts & crafts projects with her grandchildren. Shirley will be remembered by her friends and all who knew her for her unyielding faith, strength of spirit and endless generosity.
She is preceded in death by her parents Richard and Lucille Nelson, and brother David Nelson. She is survived by her best friend and loving husband of 53 years, Ken Owens, son Scott Owens and daughter-in-law Mary, daughter Kelly Berg and son-in-law Scot, and grandchildren Thomas, Bobby, Freddy, Lucy and Joan. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, December 3rd, at The First Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to America’s Youth, Barnabas and The First Presbyterian Church Endowment Fund.
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