Corine (Thomason) Owens

         Love In Bloom

Honoring the Vibrant Life of

CORINE THOMASON OWENS

Micah 6:8 "To do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with God."

With hearts brimming with memories and eyes sparkling with tears of both sorrow and joy, we gather to celebrate the enduring love and vibrant spirit of Sister Corine Thomason Owens. Like a flower in full bloom, Sister Owens' life blossomed with love, kindness, and unwavering devotion.

Born on October 30, 1947 in Anderson, South Carolina to the late Fred and Jessie Mae Thomason, Sister Owens emerged into the world as a radiant ray of sunshine, her presence warming the hearts of all who knew her. As one of five daughters, she cultivated deep roots of love and sisterhood, nurturing bonds that would last a lifetime. A proud alumna of Westside High School, Class of 1965, she approached life with an infectious enthusiasm that left an indelible mark on all she encountered. In the halls of Mount Olive Baptist Church, Sister Owens’ faith blossomed from childhood, laying the foundation for a life dedicated to service and love. 

Sister Owens' journey was intertwined with the rhythm of the seasons, but it was the arrival of spring that truly ignited her spirit. Just as the earth bursts forth in a kaleidoscope of colors, so too did Sister Owens' heart bloom with love. On August 24, 1968, she embarked on a joyous journey with her beloved Benjamin E. Owens, forming a partnership that would inspire all who knew them. Their love continued to blossom for 42 years until Deacon Owens was called home to glory, and their love continues to bloom as a testament to the beauty of spring, a season of renewal, growth, and boundless possibility. From their beautiful union blossomed their cherished daughter, Nicole Eugenia Owens Thompson. Together, they cultivated a garden of memories, sowing seeds of laughter, companionship, and unwavering support for one another.

For 30 illustrious years, Sister Owens served as the Human Resources Coordinator at Owens Corning with warmth, integrity and a genuine desire to help others until her well-deserved retirement in 2002. Beyond her pursuits of professional excellence, Sister Owens was an avid reader, a prolific writer, and a dynamic public speaker, captivating the hearts and minds of tens of thousands across the state of South Carolina. In every word she penned and every speech she delivered, Sister Owens’ love of life and her unwavering faith in God shone brightly. Her impact extended far beyond her reach, touching the lives of countless individuals across the state.

As a proud Grandmother (Nona) to Selah Nicole Thompson and Syraí Love Thompson, Nona’s heart swelled with immeasurable love for them, mirroring the vibrant hues of a springtime garden in full bloom. Selah and Syraí were the delights of the latter years of her life, and represent deep seeds of love that continue to blossom. Sister Owens' granddaughters spent the last Sunday of her life with her. Singing songs and laughing at funny movies, they embraced their Nona’s sunset season together and sowed the seeds of their eternal relationship.

Sister Owens’ involvement in various civic and church organizations exemplified her commitment to nurturing community and fostering growth. From teaching Sunday School classes for over four decades at her cherished Sweet Canaan Baptist Church to serving as President of the Women’s Department and the Deaconess Ministry, to serving as Youth Advisor and Pastoral Care Team Member, Sister Owens gladly served wherever she was needed. She joyfully served the Rocky River Baptist Association of Anderson County as Union No. 3 Women’s Missionary Union President, Annual Women’s World Day of Prayer Planning Committee Member, Board Member of the Rocky River Residential Home and President of the Women’s Auxiliary to the Rocky River Baptist Association. All of which culminated in Sister Owens winning the Living Legend of the Upstate Award in 2013.

Sister Owens' transitioned to her heavenly garden on March 15, 2024. Her life was a living testament to "Love in Bloom," a celebration of the enduring power of love to transcend seasons, to weather storms, and to bring forth new life. Though she may have bid farewell to this earthly garden, her spirit continues to flourish in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her. Her essence will forever bloom as a radiant flower that reminds us all of the power of love, faith, and laughter.

With love as vibrant as the springtime blooms,

Your loving daughter - Nikki

Sister Owens was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Deacon Benjamin E. Owens; her parents, Deacon Fred Thomason and Deaconess Jessie Thomason, her father-in-law Rushton Owens, Sr. and mother-in-law Florine Owens; and her brother-in-law Rushton Owens, Jr. In her family garden of love she leaves to bloom: her cherished daughter, Nicole E. Owens Thompson, her devoted son-in-law Khalil M. Thompson, her precious granddaughters Selah Nicole Thompson and Syraí Love Thompson of Atlanta, Georgia; her sisters Carolyn Thomason, Irine (Leon) McClinton, Agnes Johnson and Freddie Williams; her dear brother-in-law Rev. Lee A. Williams; her sisters-in-law Christy T. (Rushton, Jr., deceased) Owens, Annie R. (Thomas) Biggers, Frances (Terry) Donald; her beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends planted throughout the garden of her life.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at Sweet Canaan Baptist Church in Piedmont, SC.  The interment will follow at New Silverbrook Cemetery in Anderson, SC.  Public viewing will be held on Friday, March 22 from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home. The Family will host a Gathering and receive friends on Friday, March 22 from 6:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at  ARRAY OF COLORS at 4365 SC - 24, Suite D, Anderson,SC 29626

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