Debra (Stansell) Owens

Debra Stansell Owens of Columbia, SC went to her Heavenly Home on August 29, 2020 at 10:58 AM.  She was born in Lakeland, GA on August 10, 1961 to Billy Ralph Stansell, Sr. and Eloise (Miller) Bagwell. 
Debra was also known to friends and family as Debbie or Deb.  She grew up in Greenville, SC but moved to Columbia with her family in 1970.  She was married to her husband and best friend, Fred L. Owens, Jr., on August 23, 2008, and they resided in the Northeast area of Columbia.  She was a member of Spring Valley Baptist Church where she also sang in the choir.  Debra had worked for a number of employers and owned a business over the span of her work career but was most recently employed as a Quality Assurance Associate at The Ritedose Corporation (TRC).  

Debbie was one of the sweetest souls you would ever want to meet!  There are countless stories of the kindness and generosity she exhibited toward others.  She had a servant’s heart, and the people who knew her best would agree she lived a humble and grateful life.  Deb loved to listen to contemporary Christian music and certainly enjoyed spending time with her husband, family and friends.
Debra is survived by her loving husband, Fred; her mother, Eloise; her sons Philip Harris (Kerry) and David Harris (Tracy); her mother-in-law, Anne H. Owens and her father-in-law, Fred L. Owens, Sr.  She is also survived by her brothers Richard Mahaffey, Michael Stansell (Ellen) and Randall Stansell (Elaine); and her sisters Sherri Stansell Bailey (Mike), Linda McCall (Jeff) and Dawn Bagwell Shams (Nadim).  Debra was blessed with four grandchildren: Breanna, Caleb and Olivia Harris and Abigail Wirtz.  Debbie is additionally survived by many nieces and nephews: Matthew Hill (Casey), Kelly Howard (Josh), Jennifer Roach (David), Nicole Stansell, Christopher Stansell, Tyler Mahaffey (Erin), Charles Stansell (Gloria), Melissa Good (Davin), Zak Shams, Megan Fitzgerald (Tim), Emily and Sarah Bailey, Adam McCall (Holly), Abel McCall (Shay), James McCall (Ashley) and Noah McCall.  There are many aunts, uncles, cousins, great nieces and great nephews who Debra loved as much as her own immediate family!  She was also loved by so many of her husband’s immediate and extended family.  Debra was preceded in death by her brothers Nigel Mahaffey, Jr., Tony Mahaffey and Billy Ralph Stansell, Jr. as well as her father Billy Ralph Stansell, Sr. and step-father Fred Bagwell.  
A visitation will be held at Spring Valley Baptist Church at 91 Polo Road, Columbia, SC 29223 on Friday, September 4, 2020 at 10:00 AM.  The funeral service will immediately follow at the church at 11:00 AM.  The graveside service will immediately follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park at or about 12:40 PM at 845 Leesburg Road, Columbia, SC 29209.  During this time, the family strongly encourages social distancing and the use of face masks and hand sanitizer.  We appreciate your cooperation.
In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to Spring Valley Baptist Church Hunger Project or Spring Valley Baptist Church Music Ministry at 91 Polo Road, Columbia, SC 29223.
 

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