Linda Carol Owens

Linda Owens
Tuckasegee, NC

Linda C. Owens, 65, of Tuckasegee, N.C., passed away unexpectedly at her home on Sunday, April 17, 2016.Linda was born January 8, 1951 to Lindsey R. and Eleanor Welborn Owens (both deceased) in Greenville, S.C. She was pre-deceased by her stepson, Christopher F. Whitlaw. Survivors include her sister, Dorothy Freeman (James); nieces Della Ann Freeman Lloyd (Randall), Jama Dorothy Freeman (Thomas Harris) and Lynn Freeman Lindsay; great-nieces and -nephews, Alex Lloyd, Lindsey Ann Lloyd, Joseph Lindsay and Virginia Lindsay.Linda earned her Bachelor of Arts (1973) and Masters of Arts (1982) degrees in Journalism in from the University of South Carolina. A member of the South Carolina Press Association, she was as an accomplished and award winning journalist. As a reporter for The State Newspaper (1974 – 1982), Linda was assigned to cover the S.C. Court System among other responsibilities.In 1982, Linda followed her passion for education and accepted a position at the University of South Carolina Sumter. In 1985 she became Assistant Professor at the University of South Carolina Aiken in Aiken, S.C., where she later served as Chair of the Communications Department and adviser toPacer Times, the University’s student newspaper. She retired as Associate Professor Emerita of Journalism and Communications in 2008, having shaped numerous journalists who credit her expertise and mentoring for their professional success.Linda was an active member of the College Media Association (CMA), where she was inducted into the CMA Hall of Fame and honored as a Lifetime Member. She served as member and Chair of the CMA Newspaper Committee, the Press Law Media Committee, and was Vice President for Membership Services. She was also a member of the International Popular Culture Association and was awarded the prestigious Gold Key from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association.After a battle with a major illness, Linda enjoyed her retirement traveling and spending time with friends and her loving companions, her dogs and cat. Linda was an animal advocate and rescuer for Carolina Poodle Rescue, a non-profit animal rescue in Spartanburg, S.C. Having fostered senior and medically-challenged dogs, Linda was able to rehabilitate those in need of care, or provide a loving hospice home for those who needed it most.Linda leaves a host of friends to mourn her passing and cherish her memory. Her legacy to those who knew her best will be remembered: live life to the fullest, seek truth, and for heaven’s sake, drink the wine!The memorial service for Linda will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, May 21, 2016 at Main Street United Methodist Church at 211 Main Street, Greenwood, SC 29649. There will be a reception/visitation following the service in the Fellowship Hall of the church.To honor Linda’s memory and in lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Carolina Poodle Rescue, a 501c3 animal rescue and sanctuary. Donations may be made by Paypal, check or credit card via the Carolina Poodle Rescue webpage: HYPERLINK "http://www.carolinapoodlerescue.org" www.carolinapoodlerescue.org by clicking “donate.” Donations may also be made by texting “FORLINDA” to 91999 and following the prompts on your mobile device or, by donating through Linda’s personal donation form at https://app.mobilecause.com/form/aHPaWQCondolences may be expressed online by visiting www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown Easley, SC, which is assisting the family.