Melaine Shirah Owens

Frances Melaine Shirah Owens, 85, of Phenix City, AL died peacefully at her home on Sunday, February 23, 2025, surrounded by her family while under the care of Columbus Hospice. 

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM (EST) on Friday, February 28, 2025, in the Chapel of Vance Brooks Funeral Home, Phenix City, AL with Rev. Robb Goodman officiating. A private interment will follow in Lakeview Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Thursday evening at the funeral home. 

Mrs. Owens was born November 08, 1939, in Phenix City, AL daughter of the late Walter J. Shirah and Frances Capps Durham. She had retired from Synovus Bank after many years of committed service as a Customer Service Manager. Mrs. Owens was an active member of Summerville Baptist Church. She was an important part of the church choir and the AMEN choir. Mrs. Owens and her late husband, Rev. Bobby John Owens served at Pine Grove Baptist Church for eleven years and she was the Choir Director during that time. Music was a vital and joyful part of her life. She was even “Ms. Operetta” at her high school, Central High. Mrs. Owens also enjoyed trips to the beach. Time with family, her toes in the water and enjoying a beautiful sunset made for a great day. 

We will always miss her, however when we hear one of her favorite songs her memory will bring a sweet smile to our face. 

Survivors include her three children, Bobby Zane Owens (Sara), Elisa Owens Cross (Brad) and Brant Owens (Holly); five grandchildren, Heath Owens, (Amanda), Bradley Cross (Haley), Cody Owens, Brooks Cross (Madison) and Justin Owens; four great-grandchildren, Corbin Owens, Kennedy Owens, James Cross and Lucy Cross with two more on the way soon; several extended family members and friends.