Lionel Everson Owens

Lionel Everson Owens was born the tenth of eleven children to the late George Henson, Sr. and Augusta Barnes Owens on February 27, 1941 at Freedman's Hospital, now Howard University Hospital, in Washington DC.

Lionel’s life was influenced by the close-knit historically Black communities of Emory Grove and Stewartown, which also laid the foundation of his faith. At an early age, Lionel gave his life to Christ at Stewartown United Methodist Church, now Goshen United Methodist Church. Lionel’s love for Christ would be exhibited through a lifetime of song. He sang and later directed the Stewartown United Methodist Church’s youth choir, and was a member of the male chorus under the direction of the late Mr. Thomas C. Plummer, Sr.; he also joined Emory Grove United Methodist Church’s Gospel Choir under the direction of the late Mrs. Hazel Smallwood Chambers.

Growing up in Montgomery County, MD, Lionel attended Longview Elementary School in Gaithersburg, MD and Carver Senior High School in Rockville, MD. As a high school student, Lionel was actively involved as a senior leader on the Student Council, treasurer of his senior class, editor of the school’s newspaper, and assistant editor of The Eagle, the school’s yearbook. In June 1959, Lionel graduated from high school, and attended Maryland State College, now the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, an historically Black College and University (HBCU). In 1963, he received a certificate in tailoring from the Martha Washington Vocation School in Washington, DC.

In 1965, Lionel began working for Stokely-Van Camp, Inc. in Indianapolis, Indiana, where he served as the supervisor of the mail room until the company was sold in 1983. After leaving Stokely-Van Camp, Inc., he attended the House of James Beauty College in Greenwood, Indiana, where he received his cosmetology license in 1985.

While in Indianapolis, Lionel joined Christ Missionary Baptist Church and sang in the choir. He was also a faithful member and lead singer of the Jordan-Aires Singers of Indianapolis, a community choir under the direction of the late Mrs. Burnetta Sloss Tanner. In 1971, he joined the Messiah Missionary Baptist Church, where he served faithfully on the usher board and sang in the choir.

In 1986, Lionel relocated to Sacramento, California, and worked in the processing center for Sprint Corporation, a telecommunications company, for 17 years until he retired in February 2003. While living in Sacramento, he joined the New Testament Baptist Church and sang in the male choir and later became the director of the choir, while also serving as an usher. In 1997, Lionel formed a city-wide male chorus, which brought together men from the African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.), Christian Methodist Episcopal (C.M.E.), and Baptist faith denominations to praise the Lord and provide fellowship with one another in song.

Lionel later became a member of St. Andrews A.M.E Church in Sacramento, California where he  sang in the Chancel Choir and served on the usher board. After retiring, Lionel moved back home to Gaithersburg, MD, where he enjoyed spending time with his family, baking homemade pound cakes for family gatherings and events, and intricately creating homemade quilts and tailored clothes for loved ones and beloved friends. Lionel was also an active member of Goshen United Methodist Church, the church that was connected to his spiritual roots and upbringing. He was a member of Goshen’s Mass Choir under the direction of the late Ruby Howard, June Johnson and pianist, the late Vivianne Baskins.

Throughout his life, Lionel sang songs, which spanned the canon of gospel music. His signature selections “I Won’t Complain” and “King Jesus Will Roll All Burdens Away,” were one of many songs sung from pulpits and pews, worship and homegoing celebrations across the DC metropolitan area. He also presented concerts that showcased and honored the musical traditions of Negro spirituals and Gospel music. His gift of song was a spiritual inheritance that was shared throughout his life and passed down to future generations within the Owens family lineage, which included his great nieces, The Owens Sisters.

Lionel was also a member of The Royal Harmonizers of Montgomery County, a well-known local gospel group, that recorded and performed music across the DC Metropolitan area for over 60 years. As a member, Lionel led songs such as “Farther Along,” “Sending Up My Timber,” and “People Get Ready.” On March 18, 2015, the group was honored and featured as part of the American Folklife Center’s Homegrown Concert series at the Library of Congress, an event that celebrated the preservation of traditional music and dance in the United States and across the world.

Lionel’s life was a beautiful melody that harmonized his love for God, family and friends. His life was a song that continues to sing and be remembered for his faithfulness, his steadfast service, his laughter, and his love. On September 20, 2025, he joined the heavenly choir after a lifetime of singing and honoring the Lord.

Lionel was the last brother in his Owens family line, and leaves to cherish his memory his only remaining sibling, Della Marlene Owens; his sister-in-law Annabell Owens; his devoted nieces and nephews, April Randolph, Cynthia Washington, Patrick Claggett, and Gary (Maxie) Washington; his loving friends Gwen and Al Boyd, and a host of loving nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, relatives, and friends.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Lionel Everson Owens, please visit our floral store.