P.O. Box 506, 943 Highway 425 North, Monticello, AR71655

Rozine LaFran Owens
November 27, 1955 - July 6, 2024

Rozine LaFran Owens

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Rozine LaFran Owens, affectionately known as ''Rose'' and ''First Born,'' passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 6, 2024, at Gardner Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Star City, Arkansas. Rozine entered the world as a beautiful 2 lb preemie on Sunday, November 27th, 1955, in Monticello, AR. She was the cherished first-born daughter of Fern Robiezine and Elvin ''Buddy Love'' Owens, Sr. Rose was a loving and affectionate woman, an educator, musician, and a devoted Christian believer and worshipper.
Rose graduated from Monticello High School in 1973, where she was active in the band and the majorette line. Her exceptional skills as a majorette earned her the title of ''Featured Twirler,'' where she famously twirled the "fire baton." Known for her dancing skills, the ''robot'' was one of her signature moves. Rose also participated in various school clubs, including the Future Homemakers of America and the Student Council, where she served as treasurer her senior year. In 1972, Rozine attended AR Girls State and was a member of the Monticello High School homecoming court her senior year.
After high school, Rozine pursued her undergraduate education in early childhood education at the University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM), graduating in 1977. At UAM, Rose was active on the campus scene, joining the Soul Society club, playing in the band, and being part of the 1975 Homecoming Court. She made history as the first African American female contestant to place in the top three of the Ms. UAM Pageant, finishing as the second runner-up. Rose was also honored in a UAM news article recognizing outstanding black students. She was the winner of the Ms. B.O.S.S pageant (Black Organization of Student Services) where her singing talents shined through with her rendition of Billie Holiday's "God Bless the Child." Her pageant career did not end there. She was also named Miss Black Heritage in 1977. In addition, Rozine competed for a place on the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders squad in 1979. She was amongst 1500 hopefuls, and she made it to the semi-final round. Rozine's love of pageants, and dedication to music and performance also inspired her younger sister, Toni, to follow in her footsteps.
Rozine began her teaching career as a kindergarten teacher at Hugh Goodwin Elementary School in the Eldorado School District. She forged very special relationships with several of her teaching colleagues, Joan Cunningham, Lynn Dixon, Gennette Graham, Elaine Manning, Linda McVay, and Claudia Stevenson: They were known as the ''Gator Girls'', where you saw one, you typically saw the other. In the spirit of continuing to grow and learn, Rose later completed her master's degree in education from the University of Arkansas Fayetteville. Rose's passion for education and her students marked her celebrated career in teaching, culminating in her retirement from Eldorado Public Schools after 28 years of outstanding service.
An accomplished musician and pianist, Rose served as the church musician at two congregations. She was a proud member, choir member, and pianist of First Missionary Baptist Church in Monticello, AR, where she committed her life to the Lord at an early age. She also served as pianist at United Baptist Church of Eldorado, AR, for 20 years, continuing her service until her illness prevented her from continuing those duties.
In her leisure time, Rose enjoyed watching game shows (Family Feud and The Price is Right were two of her favorites) and visiting area casinos for relaxation during her retirement.
Rose was preceded in death by her father, Elvin ''Buddy Love'' Owens Sr., her paternal grandmother, Genevieve Stewart, and her maternal grandparents, Elvin and Iwilda Gragg.
Rose is survived by her beloved mother and best friend, Fern Robiezine Owens; brother Elvin ''Little Buddy'' Owens, Jr. (Deborah) of Silver Spring, MD; and sister, First Lady Dr.Toni ''Shirley Temple'' Brown (Pastor Craig) of Frisco, TX. She is also survived by a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, neighbors, and former co-workers. Although Rose never married or had children of her own, she cherished her numerous nieces and nephews: Tremikae (Mickey Mouse), Elvin III (Bud), Jovanni (Sisco), Ryan, Jamie (Pretty Eyes), Taelor (Angel), Willy (Joe Louis), and Omare (Pretty Boy); along with six great-nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be Saturday, July 13, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church, 564 N Bailey Street, in Monticello, Arkansas. You can sign Rozine's guestbook here on her page.

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Service
Funeral Service
Saturday, July 13, 2024
11:00 a.m.
First Baptist Church
546 N. Bailey
Monticello, AR  71655
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Condolences(23)

  1. Remona Lee
    Rozine and I where band members at (UAM). She was a kind and caring person.
    May she rest in peace in the Arms of God the Father 🙏🙏
  2. Tyrone & Henry Ett McFadden
    We Send Our Sincere Condolences To The Entire Family. 🙏🏽🙏🏽❤️
  3. Barbara Mitchell
    My heart goes out to the passing of a pageant beauty that I admired and attempt to mimic some of her skills, Blues for Bessie. Deepest condolences to the Owen’s family.
  4. TOMMY SHAW
    SENDING PRAYS
  5. Elvin, Denise, Henry, and Heidi
    Sweet cousine Rozine will be missed. We send our love and condolences. 🙏🏾
  6. Michael Thompson
    Rozine and I graduated Class of 73. She had a kind heart and was a good friend. Thoughts and prayers to the family.
  7. Dr. Sam Wherry Ph.D.
    May God's Favor and Covering be upon Mrs. Roberson Owens and members of the Family during this time of Bereavement of one of God's Par Excellent Accomplished Performance Assessment Chosen Ones who Multiplicity and Fruitfully Mission and Purpose Faithfully with Agape Loving Services unconditionally.
  8. Maryland Ridgell Johnson
    Rozine was a very dear friend and classmate. She could twirl that baton. My condolences to the family.
  9. Linnie Edwards
    My deepest sympathies and prayers to you and your family.
  10. Kimberly Williams
    I send my prayers and sincere condolences. May good continue to comfort and heal you one day at a time
  11. Elder Kathay Parker Walter
    Weeping may endure for a night but JOY comes in the morning. Sending love and prayers for the family. Praying for strength., peace, comfort and JOy in the midst of your sorrow. I worked with Rozinw from 1985 at ElDorado Fairview Kindergarten and retired 2 years before she did. I knew her also as a musician. Thanking God for allowing our paths to cross 39 years ago. She was a hard worker staying after school til 11:00 pm for years.She was a beautiful person inside and out. May God's Peace be with you 'til you meet again.
  12. Toni Jackson
    Your sister was such an important part of your life, and her loss is felt deeply by so many. Please accept my sincerest condolences.
  13. Rev. Derrell Newton
    My condolences to the Owen’s Family, praying that God gives you the strength during this time. I meet Sis. Owen’s while attending the Southeast District Singing Union #3 as a child and later as Supervisor for the young people. She was a quiet person and her smile would light up the room.

    Rev. Derrell Newton
  14. Brenda Binns
    Lifting the families up in prayer.
  15. Lou Ann Coutee

    My deepest condolence go out to you and your family. May god give you the peace that you seek.

    The Christian-Coutee Family
  16. Rev Dr Neich Robinson
    Condos and Praying for the family left behind.
  17. Wonda Vincent Chestnut
    I am sending my most sincerest condolences to the Owens family during this time of bereavement. I will always remember Rozine as a talented majorette and pianist. Most of all, she was a dear friend.
  18. Jo Ann Smith-Lee
    My heart goes out to the family during this time. Roziene was a joy to be around and she loved her family at First Baptist.
  19. Patti VanSickle
    Rozine was a beautiful person who was very quiet, and always smiling. She touched many children’s lives while teaching at Hugh Goodwin. RIP Rozine! Watch over the family through this difficult time.
  20. Clara mcclarin
    Class of 1973,we are sorry for loss prayers and condolences to the Owen family 🙏🙏
  21. Dr Neich Robinson 33°
    Sympathies for the family…Trust GOD…HE will see you through…… “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning “Psalm 30:5
  22. Phillip Herring
    Rozine was a sweet, beautiful person, inside and out. She was quite with a shy smile but she could put you in your place if she needed to! She didn't suffer fools, except for me!

    We were classmates in high school [MHS c/o73] , at UAM and co-workers at KFC during our college days. She dazzled football fans with her skills as a majorette while in high school and college. She was an excellent teacher, devoted daughter & big sister, and a loving friend.

    I am thankful to have enjoyed many happy times and laughs with her. She often called me a crazy fool but it was said with love through lips that were wide with laughter.
    I will miss my friend but I am blessed with only happy memories of our good times.

    Love to the Owens family and may God strengthen and comfort you all.
  23. Melanie Rawls
    Prayers for this beautiful family

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