Mollie Sue Owens

Mollie Sue Wilborn Owens passed away at her home surrounded by family and friends on Saturday, July 4, at the age of 80. Mollie Sue attended Macedonia Grammar School and Scottsboro High School. Upon graduation, she went to work at Benham underwear mill. Two years later she met and married the love of her life, H. Doyle Owens. Once married, Sue went to work at her father-in-law, Oliver Owens’ general store. Her first day she started on the left side of the store and worked her way around with a bucket of soap and water until every nook and cranny was scrubbed clean. She worked doing whatever job needed to be done until the day before her first son, Bryan was born. That same industriousness and hard work was seen in any endeavor Sue undertook. When her husband, Doyle, decided to take a risk and open a business selling lost airline luggage and their contents to the public, Sue not only supported him, but spent long hours cleaning, sorting, pricing and selling the merchandise. With her indispensable efforts, the family business, the Unclaimed Baggage Center, not only thrived but became a nationally recognized destination attraction. Although she had the roots of a country girl, Sue had a keen sense of fashion and always dressed impeccably; dressed of course from unclaimed baggage clothes. Sue was best known for her faith and love of her Lord Jesus Christ. She attended Calvary Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday school for over 40 years. She was known as a woman of prayer and encouragement, and gave generously of her time and resources to help all she knew who were suffering and in need. Many are the meals, visits, gifts and uplifting notes that were given by her over her lifetime. Sue is survived by her husband of 60 years, H. Doyle Owens, her sons and daughters-in-law, Bryan and Sharon Owens and Mark and Ruth Owens, her sister Marga Ruth Davis, her brother Jimmy Wilborn, her grandsons Benjamin, Matthew and Micah Owens, nieces Lauren Sawyer, Ashley Wilborn, Tiffany Pittman and Courtney Wilson and nephews Tony Wilborn and Steve Davis. She also leaves behind numerous other beloved relatives and friends. The family wishes to thank the loving caretakers who helped care for Mollie Sue at her home for the last two years. The family will receive visitors on Tuesday evening, July 7th, from 5:00 until 8:00 PM at the Scottsboro Funeral Home at 1502 County Park Road. The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, July 8th, at 2:00 PM at Calvary Baptist Church at 305 County Park Road. She will lie-in-state from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM on Wednesday July 8th at the church. Burial will follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery located at the corner of W. Willow St. and Lost Luggage Lane. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Samaritans Purse, http://www.samaritanspurse.org/our-ministry/memorial-giving/. Written condolences for the family can be sent to: DoyleOwens@unclaimedbaggage.com or The Owens Family, Care of Unclaimed Baggage Center, 509 West Willow Street, Scottsboro, Alabama 35768.

Mollie Sue Owens

July 16, 1934 - July 4, 2015