Jean Owens

Willie Jean Owens was born on March 7, 1965, in Sparkman, Arkansas, to the proud parents Joe (J.W.) Willie Owens and Rosie Jean Owens. Jean was the eldest of five siblings: three brothers—John Owens, Nathan Owens, and Derrick Owens—and one sister, Laquinta Owens. Jean was raised in a God-fearing family. She accepted Christ at the early age of six under the leadership of the late Pastor J.W. Owens and Lady Rosie Jean Owens at Sweet Home Church of God in Christ. She attended Arkadelphia High School, where she excelled in track and became known as a track star—recognized as the fastest runner. After graduating, Jean pursued higher education at the University of Arkansas, later earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Jean loved attending church and quoting scriptures. In her early years, she enjoyed assisting the late Elder Joe Battle during his many powerful and spirit-led tent revivals. She reveled in speaking and reading the Word of God to people from city to city and state to state. Evangelist Jackson was known for her big personality and her fiery, triumphant voice—just like her father. Though Willie was her given name, she preferred to be called Jean, and if you happened to call her Willie, she had no problem correcting you—directly, but respectfully.

In the 1980s, Jean moved to Marine, California, where she worked with mentally disabled children. She became an outstanding Registered Surgical Nurse, working at various hospitals. Her last employer, Medical Hill Healthcare Center in Oakland, CA, affectionately nicknamed her “JJ.” She was loved not only by her colleagues but also by her patients. The facility often called on Jean when there were challenges with a patient—because for “JJ,” it was a piece of cake. Jean had excellent rapport with both patients and their families; even in later years, many would still reach out just to check on her.

In the 1990s, Evangelist Jean Jackson moved to Richmond, CA, and in 1992, became a proud mother to her daughter, her princess, Dorsett. Jean adored her daughter, often calling her “Punkin” and singing “You Are My Sunshine” by Jimmy Davis. She taught her daughter to look in the mirror and declare her own beauty and intelligence. Jean would often say, “You are the most important person to me—right after God.” She loved traveling with her daughter—from church trips to the COGIC Convocation to leisure trips to Las Vegas. One of her most cherished memories was a recent trip to Disneyland with her very own princess.

Evangelist Jean Jackson’s favorite foods were Church’s Chicken and roasted garlic crab from various restaurants. Although she didn’t care much for cooking, her collard greens were often requested! She was a faithful member of Greater Israelite Church of God in Christ in Oakland, CA, under the late Superintendent James W. Slaughter, where she served as a Praise and Worship Leader and Pastor’s Aide. From 1998 to 2007, she attended Love Fellowship Church of God in Christ in Alameda, CA, under Pastor Samuel Butler, where she served in many roles and was appointed the Church Mother.

From 2007 to 2025, Mother Jackson faithfully served at Life Changing Ministries in Oakland, CA, under the leadership of Pastor Paula Clark, where she held many roles and continued to serve as Mother of the Church. Her favorite quote was: “God has your situation under control.” Mother Jean Jackson was a preaching machine who inspired everyone around her to pray and seek God in all things. She loved serving the Lord until He called her home on July 27, 2025. From labor to rest.

 Evangelist Jean Jackson was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Pastor J.W. Owens, Lady Rosie Jean Owens, and her brother, Nathan Owens.

She leaves to cherish her memory: Her loving daughter, Dorsett Dismuke, of Lafayette, CA; her siblings, John Owens (Alicia) of Woodbridge, VA, Derick Owens, and Laquinta Owens both of Arkadelphia, AR; a host of beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, in-laws, godchildren, friends, and the body of Christ.

Services will be under the direction of Mitchell Funeral Home of Arkadelphia, AR. The Celebration of Life will be Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. in Arkadelphia, AR at Greater Tate Temple Church of God in Christ. Interment will be at Harmony Community Cemetery in Sparkman, AR.