Shelby Jean Owens

On Saturday, November 21, 2020, surrounded by her family Shelby Jean Owens, a beloved wife, and mother returned home to her heavenly father. Family and friends mourn the loss of a beautiful, kind, loving mother, sister, nana, and friend. However, all will take comfort in knowing that she is no longer suffering and now in the arms of our savior Jesus Christ and reunited in celebration with her late husband, family, and friends.

In addition to being a wife, mother, and nana Jean was a successful entrepreneur committed to supporting local community organizations. Jean and her husband Owen owned Pines ‘N’ Needles for 30 years in which they welcomed and introduced visitors from all over the world to the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Parkway.

During their 30 years in business, they would often invite different artisans to display their unique gifts and talents to visitors and locals.  Jean took great pride in challenging her daughters and women in the community to embrace the values of the traditional family, God, country, and home. As a strong supporter of women, she promoted their dreams of higher education, community engagement, and career goals. Through her beliefs, talents, and values, she nurtured many lives with the encouragement, kindness, and love that will last for generations.

Shelby Jean was the daughter of Polly and Willard Batchelor of Wilson, NC. She was married for 57 years to the love of her life and consistent companion Owen Owens. Before his passing in April 2016, they raised four daughters and seven grandchildren, whom they loved and cherished. Their family was a spiritual commitment and labor of love that was the center of their relationship and a precious blessing from God.  They will be missed.

In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial contributions may be made to the Autism Society of NC at www.autismsociety-nc.org.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg is assisting the family.