Jennell Owens

November 12, 1933 – September 28, 2026

Jennell “Nell” Owens, age 92, passed away peacefully on September 28, 2026.

Born on November 12, 1933, in Meridian, Mississippi, Nell was the daughter of the late John Phillips and Bessie Blair (Grant). While born to John, she was raised and cherished by George Blair. Surrounded by a strong foundation of family, she later moved to Indiana and graduated from Muncie Central High School with the Class of 1951.

Nell went on to live in Louisville, Kentucky, for many years, where she built a full life and worked for a long time at Masterson’s Food and Drink. In 2022, she relocated to Avon, Indiana, to be closer to her cherished family.

A kind, friendly soul with a quick smile and a welcoming spirit, Aunt Nell made everyone feel at home. She took great pride in her fierce independence, maintaining her own home and living on her own terms throughout her entire adult life. She was an extraordinary cook whose signature dishes brought joy to family gatherings over the years. In her quiet time, she was an avid solver of jigsaw puzzles—frequently tackling two at once—and loved keeping old Westerns playing on the TV at all times.

She was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Frances Smiley, and her siblings: John Phillips Jr. of Muncie, IN, Jessie Carr, Janice Reed, Ollie Coleman, and Annie Bowling.

She is survived by her loving nephews, James Phillips of Indianapolis, Robert Phillips (Donna) of Muncie, IN, Donald Phillips (Sandra) of Avon, IN, and Gary Phillips (Annette) of Muncie, IN, as well as several great-nieces, great-nephews, friends and other family members. Aunt Nell’s warmth, independence, and steady presence will be deeply missed by all until they meet again.