Frances Montalbano Owens

Entered into eternal rest on October 22, 2010, Frances Montalbano Owens, 94, widow of Daniel Singleterry (Terry) Owens, Jr.  Residence, Charleston, SC. 

The relatives and friends of Frances Owens are invited to attend her funeral services in Fort Johnson Baptist Church, Monday, October 25, 2010 at two o'clock.  Interment will follow in Carolina Memorial Park.  The family will receive friends at J. HENRYSTUHR, INC. WEST ASHLEY CHAPEL, 3360 Glenn McConnell Parkway, Charleston, Sunday, October 24, 2010 from four until six o'clock. 

Mrs. Owens was born September 5, 1916 in Sumter, SC to the late James Montalbano and Lena Wise Montalbano. 

She eloped on February 16, 1932 to Moncks Corner, SC to marry Terry at the tender age of 15.  This union lasted 57 years.  Mrs. Owens worked in the children's department at Lerner's on King Street from 1946 to 1959.  She worked at J.C. Penny from August 8, 1959 until January 2, 1982, where she retired after twenty-three years of service.  She was a warm caring associate who loved her customers and they in turn loved her.  Mrs. Owens was an active charter member at Fort Johnson Baptist Church.  She enjoyed her many friends and outings with the church.  She also sang in the Joy Choir.  She had a lovely voice and often had a solo part.  

Her special daughter, Melba Mylin was her caregiver.  This was a beautiful union.

Mrs. Owens is survived by two daughters: Melba O. Mylin and Frances Anne O. Ehni; Ed Piedmont, our special friend; one son: Robert (Bobby) Douglas Owens; one sister: Melba M. Cooper of Lexington, SC; two brothers: James Montalbano, Jr. and William J. (Monty) Montalbano of Sumter, SC; three granddaughters: Mitzie Lee Auerbach (Michael), Diana Mylin Clair (Harold), and Terrie Mylin Brown (Ron); five great grandsons: Steven Auerbach (Ashley), Derrick Auerbach (Kimberlee), Ronald Brown, Jamie Clair (Carrie) and Ryan Brown; one great granddaughter: Sabrina Clair Follett (Patrick); five great great grandsons: Grayson Auerbach, Kohen Auerbach, Connor Auerbach, James Clair and Max Clair.  She is predeceased by her two son-in-laws: Frederick M. Ehni and Dr. Willis K. Mylin.

The family would like to thank Melba's (Mel's) neighbors, Debbie Smith, Julia and Danny Grant who were Mel's God sent angels for all of their help and support.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Charleston, Inc., 676 Wando Park Blvd., Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 or to Fort Johnson Baptist Church, 1473 Camp Rd., James Island, SC 29412.