Mrs. Laryl Owens

Our Beloved, Laryl Veloria Wilson, was born on May 15, 1947, in Marshall, Texas, to her mother, the late Joy Serrano.  At the age of 10, she embarked on a new chapter in her life when she and her mother relocated to Chicago, Illinois.  Laryl's remarkable journey began when she became one of the first two African Americans to integrate and graduate from South Shore High School in Chicago. 

After graduation from South Shore High School, Laryl went on to pursue higher education at the University of Chicago. Laryl loved to write and had quite a talent for it.  During her sophomore year in college, she took on a full-time position as a Copy Editor at University Press International at Wrigley (aka the University of Chicago Press), where she skillfully edited, reworked and adapted numerous articles for publication.  Laryl met and fell in love with John Eugene Owens, Sr.  The young couple joined in Holy matrimony on June 24th, 1972.  They shared a loving bond and started a family with the birth of two beautiful sons John in 1973, and Christopher in 1975.    

In 1978, they relocated to Atlanta, GA seeking better opportunities. Laryl began working at the Atlanta Metropolitan College. Two years later in 1982, her third child was born, Jennifer, a precious baby girl. Upon returning to the workforce a few years later, she started working for the Atlanta Public School system.  Her dedication to education led her to serve the Atlanta Public School system for an impressive 20 years before her retirement in 2004. 

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Laryl had a deep passion for the culinary arts. She loved baking from scratch, all types of traditional cakes, pastries, cheesecakes and cookies. She would often make special baked goods for family, friends and co-workers. In her leisure time, Laryl enjoyed movies, reading and different genres of music.   Laryl cherished spending quality time with her family, friends and loved ones.  She was a devoted mother to three children, John, Chris and Jennifer, of whom she was most proud.  Laryl also relished being a doting grandmother to three beautiful grandchildren, Jayla, Amari, Khalil.

Our Beloved, Laryl Owens’ legacy, will always be her loving, kind spirit. She brought kindness and joy to OUR lives and the lives of those around her.  May her blessed soul rest in eternal peace with the Lord. 

Laryl is survived by her husband, children and grandchildren: her sister, Carla Wallace, cousins Melanie and Dierdre as well as, a large extended family of cousins, nieces, nephews, in-laws and countless dear friends, who will miss her dearly.

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