Brian L. Owens was born to Louise Owens and Rodell Nunley on
May 14, 1975 at Loyola Hospital in Maywood, IL.
Brian found faith at an early age and began attending services
with his family at New St John M.B. Church at the age of 3 years
old. He became a member of Safelanding M.B. Church at the age
of 10. Later in life he joined Mt. Ebenezer M.B. Church where he
lifted his angelic voice to the heavens and sang in the choir. He
also taught Sunday School. Brian found a home at Covenant
Chapel M.B Church under the leadership of Pastor Charles
Gordon. He later found a home at New Life Covenant under the
leadership of Pastor John Hannah. Brian’s voice was amazing. He
loved to sing opera and took vocal lessons.
Brian graduated from George Collins High School. He started his college journey at North-
ern Illinois University and transferred to Northeastern Illinois University where he received
his Bachelors of Science in Sociology in 1999 and a Master’s Degree in Special Education
in 2002.
Brian’s last teaching job was at George Collins High School, where he taught Special
Education. He went above and beyond to ensure that his students graduated.
Brian was born into eternity suddenly on January 9. 2021.
Brian is preceded in death by: His grandparents, R.G and Luiza Owens & grandmother,
Gennie D. Nunley; sisters, Mamie "Shaudell" Porter and Shirley L. Willis; his uncle, Johnny
E. Owens; his niece, Aziul E. Warren; nephew, Romello I. Palmer; and sister-in-law, Taisha
Owens.
Brian leaves to cherish his memory: His mother, Louise (André) Owens-Trent; his father,
Rodell Nunley of Chicago, IL; his brothers, Byron L (La'joi) Owens of Chicago and Larry
Coburn; five sisters, Jaywana Palmer (Kienta) Johnson of Chicago, Shantell L. Willis,
LaTanya (Julius) Little of Yorkville IL, Latasha (Alvernon) Newman of Aurora IL and Chanel
Hayden of Pennsylvania; as well as a host of aunts, uncles, friends, family, and a special
friend, Tramell L. Sprouse.


’

’’
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

 


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
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
  


Death is no enemy of man; it is a friend who, when the work of life is done,
just cuts the cord that binds the human boat to earth,
that it may sail on smoother seas.
No language can describe a brother's worth and ours was tried and true.
But he was not called hence until his task was all done.
The calls of death are always for the best, for we are solving problems
there as well as here; and we are sure to find ourselves where we can solve
our problems best. Let’s let our brother Brian rest in peace,
and let his beautiful life be strength and inspiration to us all.
I know you had to go. We talked about many things, and I will always love
and appreciate your honesty and honestly I’m not ready to let you go. The
last time we talked you told me once you come home that’s it you’re done.
You said “I’m not leaving I promise.” I didn’t understand then,
but I do now. Rest well my eldest son.
I will always love you.
Musical Prelude ........................................................................... Johnny Whitehead
Processional ................................................................................. Family & Minister
Scripture ................................................................................................... Minister
Prayer ...................................................................................................... Minister
Solo/Selection .................................................................................. Kristen Webster
Acknowledgements and Resolutions .........................................................................
Remarks ............................................................................................ 2 min. please
Obituary ............................................................................................. Read Silently
Solo/Selection .............................................................................. Wendy Whitehead
Eulogy .............................................................................. Pastor Charles E. Gordon
Reviewal .............................................................................................................
Benediction ............................................................................................... Minister
Recessional .................................................................................. Family & Minister
Saturday, January 23, 2021
Wake: 10:00 a.m. Funeral: 10:30 a.m.
Smith and Thomas Funeral Home
5708 W. Madison St. Chicago, Illinois 60644