Mary Eloise Owens

Mary Eloise Taylor Owens of North Little Rock departed this world on Sunday, June 5, 2016, abandoning a long and hard-fought battle with Alzheimer's disease. She was 90. Eloise is survived by her devoted son, Tom Owens (Paula) of Maumelle, who cared for her daily for many years, and has earned his angel wings in this life; daughter, Jana Owens (Robert Eckert) of Silver Spring, Md.; sister, Bobbie Jean Taylor Traywick of Benton, niece, Joan Taylor Cunningham (Jason) of Warren; niece, Jennifer Taylor Douglas (Eric), grandniece, Taylor Douglas, and grandnephew, Jonathan Douglas, all of Benton; cousin, Henrietta Farr of Little Rock; nephew, George Hawks of Southlake, Texas, and niece, Margaret Klein of Lenexa, Kansas. She was predeceased by her husband, James G. Owens, brother, Dale Taylor of Warren (Lucy), and brother Mickey Taylor (Anita) of Benton. A native of Warren, Ark. Eloise is the daughter of Eva and Kyle Taylor. She grew up in a large, loving family, and had many happy memories of summers spent on her grandparents' farms. She married James G. Owens at the age of 26. When her youngest child entered the first grade, Eloise enrolled at Henderson State Teacher's College, and became an elementary teacher. She taught at Doctor Burns Elementary school in North Little Rock. After earning a Master's Degree from UCA, she accepted a new position at Pine Street Elementary school where she taught children to read. Eloise continued her education, and subsequently served as principal of Ish Elementary and Franklin Middle schools in Little Rock. She was dedicated to the education of children, always stressed its importance, and cared deeply about her students. Known for her vivacious personality and love of life, Eloise truly never met a stranger, and made new friends everywhere she went. She extended her caring nature to others who needed assistance, and always made herself available to help. She was a member of Park Hill Baptist Church, served as President of the Little Rock Retired Teachers Association, and was active in the North Little Rock Woman's Club, Alpha Delta Kappa sorority, as well as other organizations, a list of which her family could not possibly maintain. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer's Association are requested. The family wishes to thank caregivers Tamika WashingtonSmith and Tosha Witcher, and to the Hospice Home Care Inpatient facility for making her final days peaceful. Friends, family and any other acquaintances are invited to join us in celebration of her life: visitation on the evening of Wednesday, June 8, 6-8 p.m. and services on Thursday, June 9, at 1 p.m. both at Smith North Little Rock Funeral home. Burial will be in Rest Hills Memorial Park. Online obituary at www.SmithFamilyCares.com.