"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course,

I have kept the faith."

II Timothy 4:7

Rosa Lee "Mena" Nelson Owens was born July 25, 1949 in Bonneau, South Carolina. She was the twelfth child born to the late Lee and Florence Stretch Nelson. From infancy, she was raised by her sister the late Sarah Nelson Thompson and brother-in-law the late Samuel Thompson, Sr. On Wednesday, December 23, 2015, 5:20 a.m., at Roper Hospital, Charleston, SC, she transitioned from her earthly home to her heavenly home.

Rosa was a 1966 graduate of Berkeley Training High School and a 1968 graduate of South Carolina Area Trade School, Denmark, SC. Rosa also attended Trident Technical College and Limestone College. She was employed by Gates Rubber Company for over 30 years until her retirement on January 1, 2005.

Rosa was united in Holy Matrimony to Johnny W. Owens on July 12, 1969. This union was blessed with three children: Michael, Terresa and Reginald. Her husband and four brothers, Henry James Nelson, Benn Nelson, Joseph Nelson and Allen Stretch preceded her in death.

Rosa was a dedicated and faithful member of Mt. Carmel AME Church. She diligently served in many capacities. She was a member of the Steward Board, Stewardess Board #3, Spiritual Wings Choir, Senior Usher Board, Finance Committee and the Women's Missionary Society (WMS). Rosa also served as the Quarterly Conference Secretary, Church Bulletin Clerk, Director of the Junior Usher Board and as the first Junior Missionary President. She was active in the WMS on all levels of the church - local, district, conference and connectional. She served as President of the Emily C. Jones Women's Missionary Society, Young People's Division (YPD) Director, local Big MAK WMS Chairperson, and Kingstree Area YPD Director. She also attended several WMS Quadrennials. Possessing a true servant's heart, Rosa remained faithful in her service to the church even as her health declined.

Rosa was also very active in her community and served as a member of the Santee Circle Community Park Committee, "Lunch Buddy" for the Berkeley County School District, and Board Member for the Cherry Hill Community Center. Rosa was a caring, loving, considerate and giving person. She loved unconditionally. She was constantly providing her famous "cornbread" to the sick and shut-in in the community.

Rosa possessed a real zest for life and lived it to the fullest. She enjoyed traveling and became a travel agent, establishing her own business, "Rosa Travels". She was also an avid "Scrabble" player and was known as the "Scrabble Queen." Her passion was spending time with her family and friends.

Rosa was a woman of strong faith who believed in the power of prayer. She will be remembered for her love, compassion, strength and courage. She has finished her course and now she rests in peace.

She leaves her legacy of love to her children, Michael (LaVonda) Owens of Columbia, SC, Terresa (Eugene Jr.) Martin of Moncks Corner, SC and Reginald (Ikea) Owens of Myrtle Beach, SC; eight grandchildren; siblings, Vera T. (Rev. Raymond) Young of Moncks Corner, SC, Samuel (Carolyn) Thompson, Jr. of Charleston, SC and Christopher Thompson of Bonneau, SC, Deacon Louis (Deaconess Virginia) Nelson of Goose Creek, SC, Deaconess Mary (Deacon Joseph) Mazyck of Bonneau, SC, Rev. Samuel (Gaynell) Nelson of St. Stephen, SC and Leroy (Nancy) Nelson of Bonneau, SC; adopted sister, Sandra Pigford of Summerville, SC; mother-in-law, Ella Mae Owens of Moncks Corner, SC, brother-in-law, Bernard (Margaret) Owens of St. Stephen, SC; sisters-in-law, Lucille Winns of Moncks Corner, SC and Mary Nelson of St. Stephen, SC; one grand-aunt, Sally McHoney of Bonneau, SC; special friend, Sheryl R. Green of Mt. Pleasant, SC; caregiver, Charlene Elliott-Forrest of Moncks Corner, SC; nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of dedicated friends and church family who displayed attended to her during her illness.