Annie Mae Owens (Lansing)

Annie Mae Owens was born on March 30, 1948 in Itta Bena, MS to the late Phillip McNeal Sr. and Virgie McNeal. The family moved to Chicago where Annie graduated from Cooley High School in 1967. After high school, she was employed with Illinois Bell Co. where she met and married Archie High Sr. and unto this union, two beloved children were born: Phyliss & Archie. Later, Annie would move to Lansing, Michigan where she transitioned her career in telecommunications to the Michigan Bell Co. and remained there until she retired after 35 years of exemplary service. She met and married Robert Owens – adding a bonus daughter, Martine (Tina) Owens to her family.

Annie loved the Lord and was a dedicated and faithful member of the Church. After moving to Lansing, Annie immediately joined Galilee Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Charles S. Tolbert, where she was a Choir member. Later in life, she joined Mount Zion All Nation Bible Church where H. Levi McClendon, III is Senior Pastor. During her membership at Mount Zioni All Nation Bible Church, Annie worked as a greeter, a member of intake, and a senior lights participant.

After her mother Virgie’s death, Annie became the new Matriarch of the family where she gathered the family together for reunions, Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations. Annie loved to cook and was known for her delicious lemonade. She was a member of the: “Diamonds in the Rough” Book Club. Annie’s light and giving spirit will be missed by all.

Annie is preceded in death by her Mom & Dad, brother: Phillip McNeal Jr., sister: Angeline Henderson and grandson: Brandon Kelly.

She is survived by her daughter: Phyliss High, son: Archie High, and bonus daughter: Martine (Tina) Owens; three sisters: Margaret McNeal, Everlean (Bobby) Rhodes and Oteria Burns; two brothers: Lonnie (Linda) McNeal and Leonard (Sandra) McNeal; 9 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren that called her “GG”; a special nephew, Tony McNeal; godsons: KaPriest Brown and Chris Davis; special friends Annie “Bell” Davis, Rosa, Carolyn and Bobbie; and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.