Presiding Bishop Blake, says “The former presiding bishop, Chandler David Owens’ contribution to the Church of God in Christ will forever be remembered in the annals of church history with gratitude, fondness, and respect. Though we mourn his passing, we celebrate his life. We seek the prayers of friends and saints around the world for His loving wife, Mrs. Shirley Owens, his children, other family members, and the membership of the Church of God in Christ.”
Born in Birmingham, Alabama on October 2, 1931, Bishop Owens started preaching as a young child. His ministry spanned more than seven decades. He was a lifelong member of the church, traveled globally and ministered in practically every state in America.
He first pastored in Newark, NJ at the Wells Cathedral COGIC, where he served for over 33 years until his move to the state of Georgia. While in New Jersey, Owens was also the Jurisdictional Prelate of the Third Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction.
Owens, with dedication and loyalty, served the Church of God in Christ in various leadership roles, including International President of the Youth Congress, Chairman of the Constitution Committee Second Assistant Presiding Bishop and First Assistant Presiding Bishop, Preacher, Teacher, Pastor of the Greater Community Church in Marietta, Georgia and Prelate of Central Georgia Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction.
His heart for missions led him to financially and through various other means establish churches, schools and transportation for ministries in the Philippines, India, Malawi and Central Africa.
Owens will always be remembered for his electrifying oratory. His lifetime of experience at every level of church affairs made him a venerable fountain of wisdom and knowledge.
He leaves to mourn, his wife of 48 years, Shirley Jeanette Owens and two children, Chandler David II, Chandra Stephanie. His daughter Shirilitha Jeanette preceded him in death. He is the proud and loving grandfather of seven grandchildren.
Funeral services are as follows:
Local and Jurisdictional Services, Thursday, March 10, 2011 at 7pm
New Life Tabernacle Church of God in Christ
715 Cleveland Avenue S.E.0 Atlanta, GA 30354
National Service, Friday, March 11, 2011 at 11am
Turner Chapel Cathedral AME Church
492 N. Marietta Parkway, NE- Marietta, GA 30060
Service of Committal- Saturday, March 12, 2011, 11am
Wells Cathedral Church of God in Christ
672 Martin Luther King Blvd. Newark, NJ 07102
The National Service will be streamed live on www.cogic.com, Friday, March 11, 2011.
