Bernice Elaine Owen

Bernice Elaine Owen, age 80, passed away Tuesday morning, March 3, 2026, in Gary, Texas. She was born November 23, 1945 in Alexandria, Louisiana, to parents Delmar James (Heavy), and Mary Youngblood. Bernice moved to Kermit, Texas at 3 years old and then to Hobbs, New Mexico, where she attended school at Will Rodgers, Jefferson, Tayor, Highland Jr. High and graduated from Hobbs High school in 1964. She participated in band, thespians, and was an accomplished twirler. She was a member of Long Branch Missionary Baptist Church in Long Branch Texas and wrote the weekly church bulletin.

Bernice worked for Hobbs Western Auto from high school until it went out of business some 30 years later, and then worked in the kitchen at Hobbs High School for several years until she retired. 

In 1967 she ran for Miss Hobbs, New Mexico beauty pageant and also New Mexico Maid of Cotton where she was voted Miss Congeniality. Bernice's talent was dancing and she was the best of the best at it.

Bernice married Steve W. Owen in 1967, and she was the greatest wife, friend and lover a man could have for over 58 years. Bernice was always going and doing everything that Steve did, always trying to match or beat him. In 1984 at the NRA Wittington Center in Raton, New Mexico, Bernice won first place in the small-bore hunter’s pistol “B class” National Championship.

She won many ladies bass fishing tournaments, as well as big bass in club championships at bass clubs in New Mexico. Steve remembers the first bass tournament that Bernice fished, and as he paid for the entry fee, they asked him if she wanted to enter the big bass fee also? He said yes, that she has been known to catch a big one at times and she won big bass that time also at Lake Amistad.

Bernice enjoyed sewing, shooting rifle and pistol, fishing, cooking, decorating houses, looking at antiques, garage sales, being a homemaker and studying her Bible. She did everything that was to be done on the inside of the house and Steve was to do everything on the outside. Bernice took pride in keeping her house and would be upset if Steve even touched a broom or mop in it. She taught bible study to young children and teenagers, and was responsible for leading her husband as well as many young people to salvation. Bernice (Bern) didn’t just say she was a Christian she lived the Christian life following Jesus Christ, giving herself to others was her Godly gift.

She loved giving more than getting and she could remember everyone’s birthday, at the amazement to us all.

Bernice was preceded in death by Her father, D.J. Youngblood; mother, Mary (Dunbar) Youngblood; sister, JoAnn Cox; mother-in-law, Jewel Owen; brothers-in-law, John Dyer and Terry Owen; and sister-in-law, Nancy Owen.

She is survived by her husband, Steve Owen of Gary Texas; nephews, Jeff Dyer and wife Alma of Hobbs, and Bill Dyer and wife Tawni of Hobbs New Mexico, and Jack Owen and wife Rachel of Denver City Texas; sisters-in-law, Brenda Dyer of Hobbs, New Mexico and Vera Owen of Lubbock Texas; and nieces, Belinda Owen of Houston Texas and Amanda Weathers of Lubbock Texas.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 6, 2026, at Long Branch Missionary Baptist Church in Long Branch, Texas, with Brother Dale Walker of Eastside Baptist Church officiating under the direction of Jimerson-Lipsey Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Boynton Cemetery. Visitation will be at the church from 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. prior to the funeral service.

Pallbearers include nephews, Bill Dyer and Jack Owen; and friends, Todd Greer, Blain Dawson, Kenny Thorson, Andy Evans, and Jaxson Evans.

Honorary pallbearer will be Jeff Dyer.

A guestbook may be signed at www.jimerson-lipsey.com.