Carolyn Onita Owens

Carolyn Onita Owens, age 79, passed away peacefully May 29,2026 surrounded by her loving and devoted daughters. She was born July 8, 1946 in DeFuniak Springs, Florida, to Dave and Oneita Nelson Redmon. She spent her life in DeFuniak Springs where she met and married her husband, Derward Owens. They were married for fifty-two years before his passing in 2020. Together they were an entrepreneurial team that ran and built several businesses that supported their family. They owned the Spur Service Station, then built and operated Durwoods Grocery for twenty years.  After selling the grocery store, retirement was too idle for Carolyn, so together they ventured into the rental property business where they owned and operated Durwood Mobile Home Park. Even when her health became too much for her to be active, she still remained in charge and managed the rental business from her home with the help of her daughters and their husbands. As proud as she was of her and Derward’s business accomplishments, it did not compare to the love and devotion she had for her family. Carolyn loved her daughters fiercely and was always a guiding light of knowledge and advice. When help was needed, she was the first to step in. But nothing brought her more joy than her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was affectionately known as, “Granny” or “Nennis.”  She was a great cook and enjoyed hosting big family meals. Her grandchildren always requested her lima beans and fried cornbread. Prior to the COPD prohibiting her, she loved flowers and enjoyed working in her yard. Also, she enjoyed watching the hummingbirds at the feeders she had provided for them on the porch. Those who knew her well, knew her love of Jesus. He is the way, the truth and the life, she would happily tell anyone who would listen. Even on her worst days, she could still be heard thanking and praising Him.

She is preceded in death by her husband of fifty-two years, Derward; her parents, Dave and Oneita Nelson Redmon; two sisters; and one brother.

Carolyn is survived by her daughters, Teresa Crawford (Mark), Shiela Leach (Brent); grandchildren, Chad, Brendan (Maranda), Celby (Erica), Tyler and Victoria Vuick (Clay); great-grandchildren, Chandler, Harper, Corbin, Lane, Raelynn, Grayson, Cora, Charlee, and Taitym; brother, Louis “LH” Redmon (Sue); sister, Carrie Lawrence (Royce); and several nieces and nephews.

In her last months, Carolyn’s daughters had the honor of staying with and caring for her. While sometimes exhausting, it was an immense blessing to have that precious time. Carolyn’s family would like to extend their sincerest heartfelt “thank you” to everyone that loved and cared for her in her last months. Their deepest gratitude goes out to Pastor Jonathan King for the visits full of love, conversation, and prayers. His support for her and her family is immeasurable. Thank you to Ada Dahdah, who when she found out Carolyn needed extra help, unselfishly offered to step in and assist the family when her daughters had to work.  She not only loved her and treated her as a friend, but she also prayed and praised the Lord with her. Unexpected blessings came in the form of Gentiva Hospice Nurses, Chloe and CNA Kate. They entertained Carolyn as much as they cared for her, and she always looked forward to their visits. There are not enough words to express how grateful Carolyn’s family was to adopt them as honorary members.

Those asked to serve as pallbearers: Mark Crawford, Brent Leach, Chad Harrison, Brendan Leach, Celby Leach, and Tyler Crawford.

Honorary pallbearers asked to serve: Chandler Harrison and Craig English.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, June 3, 2026 in the chapel of Davis-Watkins Funeral Home, 1474 State Highway 83 North, DeFuniak Springs, Florida, beginning at 2:00 p.m. with Reverend Jonathan King officiating.  A time of visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.  Committal services will follow at Magnolia Cemetery.  

Arrangements and services are under the direction of Davis-Watkins Funeral Home.