Mrs. Sandra Denise Riley Owens
(September 16, 1955 - October 17, 2023)
Viewing Location: Leevy's Funeral Home 1831 Taylor Street Columbia, South Carolina
Viewing Date & Time: Wednesday, October 25, 2023 / 2:00 P.M. - 6:00 P.M.
Funeral Location: Greenview First Baptist Church 101 Isaac Street Columbia, South Carolina
Funeral Date & Time: Thursday, October 26, 2023 / 12:00 Noon
Interment Location: 2:00 P.M. / Fort Jackson National Cemetery 4170 Percival Road Columbia, South Carolina
The Owens / Riley Family and Freiends, may our Precious Lord unload your heartfelt grief in his hands and provide upmost strenght and support today and always. Sandra and I attended Savannah State Colllege ( now, Savannah State University) together as undergrads.A true beauty, who presented a quiet demeanor, a dear personality, a few attributes that I recall regarding Sandra.Our friend Georgia Ann and all who have been touched by Sandra’s gentle spirit, my sincerest condolences and prayers.
I pray that God will comfort and console your heart moment by moment as your endure the passing of your bride Sandra. Take comfort in the knowledge that you know she is always and forever with our Lord. You and yours are in my prayers.
With great sorrow to learn of the passing of your beloved wife and mother of your son. May God give you strength and comfort you all .
With deepest condolences 🙏🏾❤️
Rev Owen’s and family: I extend my deepest sympathy and sincere condolences to you. My prayers that God will provide strength, comfort, peace and love to sustain you during this difficult time 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 Rosie Hill and family
Our condolences to the Owens family, May God continue to
keep you during this difficult time and provide you with the strength to continue in his service.
Extending my deepest sympathy and condolences to you Pastor Owens and Jaron. I had the pleasure of meeting Mrs. Owens when I visited Greenview. She was indeed a precious jewel. Sending prayers of comfort.
We just celebrated our 50th Class Reunion in June. Did not know that this would be the last time we will see each other. Rest my dear classmate. Warrior4Life
Class of 1973.
Coach Walter E Luten Jr
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved sister. Our prayers and love are with you and your family during this time of bereavement.
With deepest sympathy.
Ruby Norman Smith
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved sister. Our prayers and love are with you and your family during this time of bereavement.
With deepest sympathy.
Ruby Norman Smith
My heart is heavy as I just learned of Sandra’s passing. She was a beautiful lady with a beautiful spirit. We met as Jack and Jill moms. Her smile said it all. I remember speaking at the church and she introduced me. I will never forget how she made me feel through her gracious and kindness.
Prayers and condolences to Rev. Owens, the son, the church family and all who got to experience her LOVE.
A beautiful soul and teacher. Gone to soon. You already missing. Aaliyah Myers and grandpa Jack
There are no words to help at this time except, we will trust in the Lord.
There are no words to help at this time except, we will trust in the Lord.
My heart and prayers are with your family. Sandra’s beautiful soul will always live in our hearts.
Deepest sympathy to the family.
My condolences to the family at this time. May God give you the strength to continue in the absence of your love one. Maintain the faith and stay strong. Thank for serving as Daniel Circle Chaplin.
My condolences and prayers for Rev. Owens and family during this very challenging time of bereavement. May God provide you with comfort and peace knowing what a beautiful spirit she was to many.
We sorrow for the loss of our dear beloved neighbor. We would often see her and her husband walking in the neighborhood, just enjoying life. We pray God’s peace, strength and comfort for Pastor Owens and Jaron. We do miss Sandra even now.🙏🏽🙏🏽
Cousin T and Jaron – May the memories of the very kind and loving person in Sandra sustain in your hearts and minds providing strength to walk through this time of sorrow. Almighty God, please grant the needed peace and understanding to the Owens and Riley families. Love you both!
Our prayers and deepest condolences are extended to Rev. Owens and son and family; also to the Greenview Baptist Church family in the loss of your dear wife, your loving mother, and your beautiful first lady, Mrs. Sandra Owens. May the peace of our loving heavenly Father comfort and strengthen you during this difficult time. May you be blessed with wonderful memories of her well lived life. Take courage as you understand the faithfulness of God’s word: blessed are you who mourn, for you shall be comforted. Prayerfully yours,
The officers and members of Greenview Reunion Foundation
Rev. Owens and Jaron, I worked with Sandra at North Springs Elem. After she left, we would see each other in different places, and her infectious smile would light up both our days. My husband and I visited Greenview many times, and I would ask about Sandra. Perhaps at some point these words might help you both: HER MEMORY STAYS ~ “Although she has passed on, her memory forever stays. Remember how she smiled, and the joy she gave. We’ll miss them all the time and think of them every day. Her love filled the world – A love that will never fade.”
The Noel family sends their deepest condolences to the Owens family.
You are always considered an extension of our family as you are so dear to us. We are deeply saddened by your loss and do grieve with you at this time.
Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers daily.
May God continue to watch over you and keep you during this time.
Sending my condolences to Reverend Owens also to his som and other family members and Friends I pray that the Lord give you and your family on both sides all and Friends all the strength love and support you all need now and forever always remember God will give you the strength you need always and forever in my prayers from the woods family.
I met Mrs Owens at Blythewood Middle School when my daughter Kelley was in Chorus. (I believe Jaron & Kelley were in the same grade.) I enjoyed working with her in rehearsals and playing piano accompaniment for concerts, and several memorable trips to Carowinds with the BMS Chorus. I was delighted when she joined Eau Claire Music Club and always felt a special connection with her. We would discuss church music and catch up on what our precious children were doing — she was so proud of Jaron. What a kind, thoughtful, talented lady. Much love and prayers for her family and friends….
Dear Johnny and Family. We do not know what to say except that we love you. We can’t understand exactly how you feel but God does, and he will keep raising you up. We hope that our prayers will help a little. Uncle Lessie, Lila, Victor & Vincent Owens.
Your sweet and gentle spirit will be greatly missed. I can see you sitting at the piano right now with your fingers gliding across the keys, playing our note and leading the chorus in song. You were always one of my favorite classes and teachers. Well done, take your rest. My love and condolences to the family in your time of bereavement. May God give you his comfort, peace and joy during this difficult time.
Our prayers and deepest condolences to Rev. Johnny Owens and family.
I would like to send my deepest condolences to Reverend Johnny Owens and his family. May God bless you.
Heartfelt sympathy to the Owens and Riley families. May happy times and loving memories be of comfort to you now and in days to come. May the love of God surround and sustain you. Praying for you always.
Dea & Mrs Tyrone A. Kelly
Mt. Moriah Baptist Church
Sincere and deep condolences, thoughts and prayers to Rev. Johnny C. Owens, Jr., Jaron and the Owens/Riley families during this most difficult time, as you experience the grief and loss of your beautiful wife, Sandra. She was a gentle soul with such a warm spirt and smile that were so inviting to all who had the privilege to know her. Sandra made “everyone” feel special.
My heart is broken by the loss of our lovely First Lady, my friend and confidant. She will truly be missed. Words cannot express how deeply we feel for all of you. Know that we love you and are always here for you.
May God hold you in the hollow of his hands and give you peace and all the strength you need to endure during these difficult days, now and ahead. You remain in our hearts and prayers.
My deepest condolences to the family
To our dear Rev. Brother Pastor (Chaplain) Johnny Owens and family. Through the years we have shared many conversations and reflections on the Goodness of God. As you experience the grief and loss of your beautiful wife Sandra, I offer a gentle reminder that God is still Good. Francie, Franchelle, Ramona, and I humbly extend our deepest sympathy, condolences and blessings to you and the family. May our Heavenly Father grant you grace, peace and comfort now and in the coming days. Be assured that you and the family are in our thoughts and prayers. Just a reminder that, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” Psalm 46:1.
With sincere sympathy, you are in our thoughts and prayers. May the Lord, our God comfort you during this difficult moment.
Our deepest condolences to the Owens and Riley family. May you seek comfort and peace in the arms of Jesus Christ as He navigates this chapter in your lives, feeling His presence surrounding you 🙏🏽✝️
To pastor Owens ,Jaron, and the Riley family my prayers are you. First Lady Sandra Owens will truly be missed. whenever I came up to here in church she would always have a smile beautiful spirit. I loved her but God loved her best. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord
Our deepest condolences and most sincere sympathy to Rev. Johnny Owens and the Owens/Riley families. We are praying for God’s continual strength and comfort for the families during these challenging and difficult times. Remember that Earth has no sorrows that Heaven cannot heal. “God is too good to be unkind and He is too wise to be mistaken. And when we cannot trace His hand, we must trust His heart.”
Our sincere condolences, thoughts, and prayers to the Riley and Owen’s families! May God continue to bless, comfort, strengthen and sustain each of you, and give you peace!
From the Savannah State University Alumni
Condolences to the Owens and Riley Family.
Praying for the Owens & Riley family. Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal.
The Riley and Owens Families have my deepest condolences. I am deeply saddened by her loss. Sandra and I sang together in the Concert Choir at SSU many years ago. Know that you all are in my prayers.
My deepest condolences to Reverend Owens and family.
My Deepest Sympathy you and the entire family have, To be absent from the Body is to be present with the Lord. Praying God will give you all the strength you, and your needs as you go through this difficult time.
To the Owens and Riley family.
My condolences to you in this difficult time. It is so difficult to believe that Nese is no longer with us. I was her “third” sister. We all was raised together, went to school and played from house to house.
My prayers and thoughts for the family is that God will see you through this difficult situation.
We are heartbroken and loss for words. God knows that we need an anchor right now.
Extending our love to both families.
Pastor Owens and Jaron, Lady Patricia and I express our heartfelt condolences during your season of bereavement. Lady Sandra your beloved bride for more than 40 years was truly God sent for you. She was truly a blessing to many as an Educator and First Lady of Greenview FBC. We love you and praying with and for you. “Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal.”
Rev. Owens, Jaron, and the entire Owens and Riley family! I am so saddened by hearing of Sandra’s transition. I am praying for you and the entire Greenview family! So many memories, laughs! Sandra was such a sweet spirit and a beautiful soul! Reading all of the comments online, she has not only touched all of our lives, but the many children she taught with her beautiful voice and musical talent!
Pastor Owens, Jaren and family, I am so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you and I pray that God dispatches his Angels to wrap their wings around each of you to give you Strengh, Comfort and Peace. Mrs. Owens will trully be missed.
My heart is heavy with the loss of our first Lady 😔☦️🙏❣️ Your whole family led us with purpose, faith, love & honor! Words cannot exhibit what I am feeling for you and your family! You all are in my heart…stay strong…know that we are with you always…many prayers 🙏🙏🙏 my Pastor!
Pastor Sammy Wade and First Lady Mary Wade offer our heartfelt condolences to Pastor (Chaplain) Johnny Owens, Jaron Owens, Owens Family, Riley Family and Greenview Church Family on the transition of First Lady Sandra Denise Riley Owens from this earth to be with the God she served while she walked this earth to walk no more among us.
Dear Pastor (Chaplain) Johnny Owens,
Experiencing the death of a wife is so personal that very few of us can understand the grief involved. Perhaps it will help to ease your sadness if you know that Mrs. Sandra Denise Riley Owens will greatly be missed in you and Jaron heart and by all of her family, friends and lives she touched while on this earth and we all share in your loss and heart pain.
Mrs. Sandra was one of the most charming and warmest women I have ever known when I attended Daniel Chapel on Fort Jackson when you were the chaplain. I will never forget her. I will remember when she told me how Jaron loved being in my VBS Class on Fort Jackson. I was glad to have been a part of Jaron’s Christian Journey.
Pastor (Chaplain) and Jaron, When the Lord calls our loved ones home He leaves a gift of memories in exchange. Hold on to your memories, and let them guided you both during this time of sadness. MEMORIES ARE THE LEGACY OF LOVE. God is always in your corner at a time like this. Trust God in all things. Pastor Owens, Jaron and the family will be in Pastor Sammy Wade and Mary Wade thoughts and pray.
My dear Friend, Big Brother and Pastor Johnny Cephas Owens, Godson Jaron, the Riley Owens family, Schools she served and taught so many, DCC, and the Greenview First Baptist Church family and friends: Annette, Mario, Andrew and I, and our Ecumenical Church of Christ have you all in our hearts, thoughts and prayers, especially Johnny and Jaron with our sorrowed souls, deepest condolences as you endure this difficult time of mourning in the midst of already difficult circumstances but praise be to GOD 🙌🙌🙌 for the surety in spirit and Faith we have of Sandra being present with The LORD.
You already know our willingness and eagerness to do and help in any which way you have need of without reservation. With Great Love, the Balaguer family…
Johnnie, you and Jaron are in our prayers. Sandra was truly an Angel amongst us. Willie and I have been truly blessed to have known you since the Fort Sill days.
Our prayers are with you both.
Rev. and Brother Owens, Jaron, the Riley family, and the Greenview Church family:
Loretta and I send our deepest condolences to all of you as you endure this difficult time of grief in the loss of Sandra. Please let us know if we may be of service to you in the coming days. May your memories of your wife, mother, relative, and Church First Lady be forever filled with her legacy of service and love for others. Please remember that “Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot cure. Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal.”
Rev. Owens, Jaron, and the Riley family, though our hearts are broken and our demeanor subdued because of Sandra taking flight to go home to be with the Lord, we have so much praise and thanksgiving to God for sharing Sandra with us for many years. We wanted her with us much longer. However, we realize that we can’t be selfish with God and keep her here to ourselves. Evidently, God wants her with Him in His presence. We respect that. We already miss her gentle, caring, thoughtful, and loving demeanor. Her absence from us has left a void; however, that void is now and will forever be filled with a legacy of numerous happy memories of her that are far too precious to be forgotten. We share in your grief and we also share in your praise to God for giving us the precious gift of Sandra, who has enriched our lives in too many ways to count. Praise God, who is too loving to be unkind and too wise to make a mistake.
Johnny and Jaron we express our deepest sympathy. Sandra was very special to our entire family. She taught our daughter and youngest son at Lake Carolina as well as private music lessons. We loved her very much!!! We thank God for her life and legacy. We will continue to lift you up in prayer. Please know that we are here for you.
My deepest condolences on the passing of your beautiful wife, mother and First Lady of Greenview First Baptist Church.
Rev. Owens and Jaron, May God’s grace, peace and mercy, guide you during this time of transition. Our prayers are for you and your entire family. Blessings.
What a friend we have in Jesus!
Pastor Owens and Jaron, you are both in my prayers. May God comfort you and give you peace. 🙏
Johnny and Jaron,
Words cannot express our deep lament of Sandra’s passing. We are so very sorry and sadden over this untimely and unexpected death.
We are with you all in spirit and in prayer. May the Lord comfort and keep you during these tough times.
We trust and believe that the Lord will make a way somehow. You remain in our thoughts and prayers.
Love in Christ,
Rev. Rodney & Sonia Lindsay
Rev. Johnny C. Owens, Jr. and Jaron, I am so sorry for your loss. I can only imagine how difficult this must be for each of you. Your wife and mother, Mrs. Sandra Owens was a gracious, kind, gifted and wonderful person, who will be greatly missed. May your memories of time-shared provide you a measure of comfort. Since, at times, bereavement can be un-anticipatory and complex, it is okay to take some time to grieve and honor her incomparable contribution to your lives. You both remain in my prayers, since I know the experience of a wife and mother.
Dear Reverend Owens and Jaron: We are saddened beyond words by Sandra’s passing. We did not have a chance to meet her, but believe we have a sense of her through the dignity and decency of Jaron. We know that this is is a season of heartbreak, for you and all of those who knew her. We wish you God’s healing peace and comfort during these difficult days, and pray that God’s grace will bring a measure of healing during the days to come. She was obviously a remarkable woman, and we know that she will be missed in ways that are impossible to measure. Love to you both,
Bryan and Leah Harness
We sympathize with you as you grieve. And we offer prayers for consolation as you endure the process of adjusting to the loss you feel.
I was stunned to learn of Sandra’s passing. She was such a lovely, smart, talented, kind Christian lady. Your family has been in my prayers prior to this great loss & I am in prayer for you now for comfort and peace.
I was blessed knowing her for the past few years in Eau Claire Music Club & always blessed in every interaction with her. It was always a blessing to pray for each other & now to lift up all of you whom she so dearly loved.
May God bless you with the assurances of His holy word, strengthening you in the presence & power of the Holy Spirit & the knowledge of Jesus’ intercession for you.
May you be comforted knowing she is present with the Lord! How blessed to claim, “To live is Christ. To die is gain.” We are sad in this world’s loss & thankful that she now has true & full victory in Jesus!
May God assure you in His truth, & comfort you with a keen sense of His nearness & His love for you.
In Christ, Kathy Folks
Pastor Owens, Jaron , the Riley and Owens Families ; We are expressing our deepest sympathy for your loss , of Mrs . Owens. It is with heartfelt condolences that we pray for your PEACE and COMFORT ! We will miss her sweet disposition , her beautiful voice , talents and her smile .
Ronald and Loraine Tracy
To Pastor Owens and family. I was sad hearing about the transition of your love one. May God give you all the peace that she finish her course. And she has a new body. May God comfort your family.
Sending my sincere condolences to you Rev. Owens and your family during this sad time. Mrs. Owens will surely be missed by many. Rest now Mrs. Owens in the precious name of Jesus Christ.
Pastor Qwens your son and family, may God comfort you especially during this time. Rest in peace and power First Lady eternally. . .
Pastor, Naomi and I send our sincere and heartfelt condolences to you and your family during this difficult time. Please know that we are in prayer with you and your entire household that God will do more than you can ask, think,or believe in the days ahead. You stood by countless individuals and families (Military and Civilians) in the hour of loss and grief. You were the Shepherd’s voice to so many who needed a word from the Lord to find their way from darkness to light after the loss of a loved one. May the Lord repay you now for your rich ministry and tireless labor to others when they experienced what you are facing today. Brother, we will not stop praying for you. Blessings.
I am sincerely sorry for your loss and may God be with you and strengthen and keep you 🙏 ❤️
I’m at a loss for words when I think of our First Lady and Little Sister Sandra Owens being absent from her body. But It is a comfort to know she is present with The Lord Jesus Christ. Pastor Owens and Jaron, I pray that the Holy Spirit will comfort you in times like these. She leaves a void in our church and hearts that cannot be filled, except God be with us, and in us all. Our sincere prayers and condolences for you are continuous without ceasing. May The Lord Bless us you and give you the strength to run your race with patience, that you may endure to the end as Sandra did.
We love you unconditionally and we are here for you,
Larry & Annette Etheredge
Our deepest condolences to the family, many have been touch by the passing of Mrs. Owens. Our church Family at the Fruit of the Spirit Christian Fellowship church express our heart felt prayers to the Entire church Family but to pastor Owens and family. Iman Edgers Davis, now a member of our church and her family, we all are standing in prayer for all doing this difficult times.we pray that the beautiful spirit that First lady had will continue to encourage your present when you think of her.she has fell asleep in the peace of God and free from this worlds trouble.Jarod your strength is in the lord and know that Jesus loves you! The blessings of the lord be upon you all, Bishop Kevin Nelson pastor, pastor Bruce Davis, Rev.Sam Thompson and the Fruit of the Spirit Christian Fellowship church Family.
Pastor (Chaplain) Owens and Jaron our hearts break for you as we know how difficult the passing of your wife/mother Sandra Owens. May God give you the strength to withstand this heartbreaking moment. The loss is unbearable. You have my prayers and support all the way!
My heart was broken to learn of Mrs Owens passing. She was a beautiful person and a cherish friend to love. May God comfort Pastor Owens and Jarod in most difficult period in their life.
Sending my deepest heartfelt condolences to the Owens family, as well as to Greenview Baptist Church.
I am deeply saddened a true First lady, you will be truly missed. Lafern Tillman and family
My heart is so so heavy, with the loss of First lady Owens, she truly was an angel. Reverend Owens and Jaron and other family members of Mrs Owens, you all have my families deepest sympathy, may our Lord grant each of you peace, look to the hills from whence cometh your help. This angel has truly gained her wings in heaven🙏🙏😇😇💔
My sincere condolences to the entire Family of Sandra Riley Owens …To Wanda , A sister is a beautiful connection that grows stronger and closer through the years…always to welcome you with opens arms and a warm heart …Sandra has her wings to look over all loved ones …my deepest sympathies…your classmate and friend Geri Barnes
Our sincere condolences to Pastor Owens and Jaron. May God Bless the entire Family with the utmost comfort during this difficult time. Mrs. Owens will be deeply missed.
Thanking God for the life of Sandra Owens. A beautiful blessing to Greenview First Baptist Church. Pastor Owens, Jaron our prayers are with you. You are a blessing to everyone.
Words cannot express my sadness in the passing of this angel. She’s singing with the angels in heaven now……praying for the family’s strength.