OWENS

Jerode Owens, 41, began his journey on this earth on April 11, 1972, born to the late Judy Ann Owens and Leroy Pigott, and has departed this life.

He was a cherished and devoted employee at Abita Lumber Co. for 19 years. He leaves to cherish his memories his wife and best friend of 22 years, Aretha Williams of Bogalusa; five children, Dondre Owens, Trishaun Williams, Jermaine Williams, Kentrell Williams and April Williams, all of Bogalusa; two grandchildren, Nariya Smith and Nhiyanna Smith of Bogalusa; one sister, Angela Owens; two brothers, David Earl Martin and Reginald Taylor of Texas; five aunts, Mary Ann Reed, Shirley Walker, Tammy (Gerald) Peters, Mattie Walker and Dorothy Williams; two uncles, Otha Pigott and Kenneth Walker; five cousins he considered brothers, Kevin Reed, Broderick Reed, LaQurry Alexander, Robert Johnson and Neal Johnson; and a special friend/cousin, Keiwanda Wilson.

He was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents and two cousins, Jerome Walker and Anthony “Dubey” Johnson.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 22 at 2 p.m. at Second Baptist Church in Bogalusa, with the Rev. Darryl Self presiding. Burial will follow in the Bogalusa Cemetery.