Obituary of Bootsie Owens

Norma “Bootsie” Hurst Owens, 89, widow of Ladson “Lad” Fraser Owens, Jr., died Tuesday, September 14, 2021 at Covenant Place. Born in Sumter, she was a daughter of the late Clifton China Hurst and Mildred Thorne Hurst. Bootsie was a long-time member of First Presbyterian Church where she served as a long-time first grade Sunday school teacher, was a deacon, an elder, and an active participant in Presbyterian Women. During her years at Covenant Place she participated in all activities and served on several committees. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ladson “Lad” Fraser Owens, Jr. and a daughter, Elizabeth Owens Blakeslee. She leaves behind her son-in-law, Bryant Blakeslee, daughters, Norma Owens Abbott (Phillip) and Linda Owens Forrest (Andy); six grandchildren, Katherine Abbott Dowdney (Sam), Jack Abbott (Maggie), Bryant Blakeslee, Jr., Caroline Blakeslee, D. Alex Forrest and Stuart Forrest; five great-grandchildren; as well as Pam George and Vivian Kelley whom she loved like daughters. Graveside services will be held at 2 P.M. Saturday in the Sumter Cemetery with Rev. Joel Long officiating. Pallbearers will be Coles Dwight, Arthur Dwight, Roy Creech, Tom Abbott, Bobby Nance, David Nance, and Kevin Hurst. Memorials may be made to the Music Ministry Program at First Presbyterian Church, 9 W. Calhoun Street, or to the Covenant Place Hourly Employee Fund, 2825 Carter Road, Sumter, SC 29150. On-line condolences may be made at www.sumterfunerals.com Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home & Crematory, 221 Broad Street, Sumter, is in charge of the arrangements (803) 775-9386.