Betty Ann Orr Owenby, 96, died Saturday October 12, 2024, with her daughter Linda by her side at The Oaks in Brevard, N.C. She was born June 4, 1928 in Dayton, Ohio where her parents had moved for work. She moved  to Brevard in 1929, which is where her parents were from.

She graduated from Brevard High School in 1944, the last graduation class to graduate in 11 years.  Following graduation, she worked at a dime store in Brevard and later at Ecusta for about 10 years. She also worked for Tankersley's Florist and Morris Pharmacy in Brevard.

She married Fred Thomas Owenby on June 23, 1951, and they were married for 56 years. They raised their daughter in a loving Christian home. They always welcomed her cousins and friends in their home. They enjoyed travelling and golf together once Fred sold his business Owenby Brothers Amoco in Brevard in 1992.

She was an excellent seamstress, enjoyed being a homemaker and doing crafts. In 1977 she decided to play golf and was an avid golfer.  She had a hole in one four times.

Family and friends were so important to her. She was overjoyed to become "Ma" when she had two grandchildren and supported them in all of their activities and showered them with love and attention.  Then she became "Great Ma" to her six great-grandchildren.

She was a Christain and was baptized at First Baptist Church in Brevard on November 1, 1942. She joined Turkey Creek Baptist after her marriage and was a member there when she died.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Richard Homer Orr and Lula Garren Orr; her sister, Bertie Morris, her brothers, Richard Orr and Roy Orr; and her beloved husband Fred Owenby.

She is survived by her daughter, Linda Owenby Tompkins and her husband, Charles of Pisgah Forest, NC; her grandson Daniel Tompkins and  his wife Katherine of  Woodinville, Washington; her  granddaughter, Laura Tompkins Springer and her husband Jim of Lafayette, Georgia; her six great grandchildren: Adalia and Nora Grace Tompkins of Woodinville, Washington, Bonnie, Samantha, Paul, and Dominick Springer of Lafayette, Georgia. She is also survived by her sister Rebecca Hale and her husband Bob of Hendersonville, NC, and many neices and nephews.

A celebration of her life will be held at 2 PM Sunday, November 24, 2024 at Turkey Creek Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be to Turkey Creek Baptist Church 805 Capps Road, Pisgah  Forest, NC or your favorite charity.