Essie Mae Owens

Essie Mae Owens, 97, died Wednesday, September 19, 2018 in Lakeland, Florida. Born August 30, 1921 to Tolbert and Estelle Carroll in Lakeland, Mae was raised there along with siblings Edith and Earl. Mae married Eugene Murphy in 1942 and had a son, Samuel (1945-2007). Mae and Gene were married until his death in 1970. She was married to Clint Owens from 1974 until his death in 1997. A resident of Bartow since 1958, Mae was an active member of both First Baptist Church of Bartow and Beta Sigma Phi for many years. She retired in 1985 from the Polk County School Board as a secretary for School Food Services. Mae is survived by a granddaughter, Melody Murphy, of Ocala; a daughter-in-law, Cheryl Murphy Meyer (John) of Folkston, Georgia; several beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins; and many dear friends and neighbors. Special thanks to the staff of Highlands Lake Center in Lakeland for their loving care of Mae. A memorial service will be held Saturday, October 6 at First Baptist Church, Bartow. Visitation 11 a.m. in the sanctuary, followed by services at 11:30 a.m. Condolences may be made at www.whiddenmcleanfuneralhome.com.