Athalene Smith Owenby
August 24, 1924 ~ December 6, 2008
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Athalene Smith Owenby, 84, of 33 Village Drive, Asheville, died Saturday, December 6, 2008, at John F. Keever, Jr. Solace Center.
Mrs. Owenby was born in Buncombe County and was a daughter of the late Gurney D. and Cora Penley Smith. She was also preceded in death by a brother, Planey Smith and sisters, Flonnie Bailey and Cora Myrtle Creasman. She was retired from American Enka Corporation.
Surviving are her husband of 62 years and 22 days, Grady Owenby; one daughter, Kay Zimka and husband Jerry of Ft. Pierce, FL; one sister, Lois Arrowood and husband Charles of Fairview; one brother, G.D. Smith and wife Janice of Fairview and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be 2:00 pm Tuesday in the Patton Avenue chapel of Groce Funeral home with the Reverend Allen McKinney officiating. Burial will follow at Pisgah View Memorial Park.
Her family will receive friends from 7:00-8:30 pm Monday at Groce Funeral Home on Patton Avenue.
Memorials may be made to John F. Keever, Jr. Solace Center, PO Box 25338, Asheville, NC 28813.
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Uncle Grady, Kay & Jerry,
It was with great sorrow and sadness that Cindy & I learned of Aunt Athalene’s passing. My memories of her are precious and warm from the time I was just a kid to my adult life and even until now. The peanut butter milkshakes, onion sandwiches, visit to Myrtle Beach, races down on the river, all of us eating watermelon with Grandma & Grandpa Owenby, and most recently visiting and listening to some good old gospel music with her, and so many other memories come back to me now. You and Aunt Athalene were an inspiration to me because you lived life to its fullest. I remember you reminding me many times not to sit around and wait but to enjoy life and enjoy it now. Cindy & I will be keeping you in our thoughts and prayers over the coming days and ask the Lords peace, love, and comfort as only he can provide in these difficult times. With much love, Ron & Cindy
My deepest sympathies. I will miss you Aunt Athalene.
Uncle Grady and Kay. how saddened I was to hear of Aunt Athalene’s passing.Although she was not technically my aunt ,in my heart and soul she has been that and you my uncle from the the day I met you with Ron.Many sad things have changed our lives but I have never stopped thinking of you as my aunt and uncle. I love you Uncle Grady and I pray you will find peace and comfort in your heart…Love forever…Sandy….
Uncle Grady, I have always loved Aunt Athalene’s wonderful and positive nature. She always made me laugh. She is a beautiful spirit and I will never forget her. Love Scoot, Myong, Nana, Ronnie
Grady, I am very sorry and saddened to hear of your loss. Although I did not know your wife like I know you, your obvious love for her demonstrates what kind of person she must have been. Thank you for your kindness to me over the last few years.
Willis
With deepest sympathy. I love you Uncle Grady and Kay.
I was saddened to hear of the passing of Aunt Athalene. I want you, Uncle Grady, and Kay to know that you are in my thoughts.
Lloyd Dec. 7, 2008
Uncle Grady & Kay, I was so sorry to hear about Aunt Athalene. It is good though to know now that she is not suffering anymore. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I love you very much, Janice & Harold
deepest sympathies to Uncle Grady and family
Kay,
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
I have very good memories of my Great Aunt Athalene, of her unconditional kindness and warm smile, of trips to the farmer’s market, and her excellent cooking. She blessed my life and I will miss her.
I want very much to express my sympathy at the passing of Aunt Athalene. I will remember her fondly, as she was a kind and generous woman….
Fondest memories and warm thoughts for the future,
Kelcey, Marianne and Brennan Allison
Dear Grady, I wanted to let you know how much I have enjoyed and appreciated you and Athalene’s friendship over the years….I will sadly miss being able to talk to her at times…Keep in touch with me…Losing your soulmate is a sad thing…God Bless you…Ruby
Dear Grady, Ann Brown let me know of the passing of your beloved wife. I am sorry for your loss. Cathy
Dear Grady,
I offer condolences for your loss ~ many of us at Biltmore remember you and your devotion to your wife. You are in our thoughts and prayers this week.
Mary Anderson
Grady, I was so sorry to hear about your loss. If there was any way I could have been there for you I would have, just as you have been there for me during my loss.You will be in my thoughts and prayers.We have had some good times together that I will never forget.Love you,Linda Whitaker
Hey Uncle Grady. Sydney and I were so blessed to have lived 3 doors down from you and Athalene. Your kindness and generosity continually overflowed. We have a hug for you. May God’s grace and peace be yours through this time. This is the season to remember the birth our Lord and why he came. We will be with Athalene again. All our love to you and the family.