Iva Rose Garris Owens

Mrs. Iva Rose Garris Owens, 94, passed away peacefully at her home in Johnsonville, South Carolina, surrounded by her loving family on Monday, June 22, 2026.

Born in Lake City, South Carolina, she was the daughter of the late Sidney and Beatrice Locklair Jordan. Mrs. Owens retired from Tupperware in Hemingway, South Carolina, and fulfilled a lifelong commitment to being the very best mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. She was the oldest member of Camp Branch Church of God of Prophecy and lived a life rooted in faith, family, and service to others.

Mrs. Owens was the definition of a true Southern woman. She never met a stranger and would feed you whether you were hungry or not. Her famous 12-layer chocolate cake was a favorite among family and friends, and countless memories were made around her table. She was also an amazing seamstress, and no project was ever too big or too small for her expertise. Nothing brought her more joy than having her family together, especially for Christmas dinner, which was the highlight of her year. She poured her heart into her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, always making them feel loved, supported, and cherished. Summers spent at her beach house in Garden City created treasured memories that her family will carry with them forever. As the oldest sister, she deeply valued the special bond she shared with her siblings and took great pride in her role within the family.

She is survived by her daughters, Laura (Chet) Melton and Jeannie (George) Gaster; her grandchildren, Chasity (Charles) Seegars, Ashley Baxley Tacy, Clint Garris, Trae (Olivia) Gaster, Savannah (Lester) Claytor, and Sydney (Christian) Brinkley; 16 beloved great-grandchildren; her siblings, Willie (Jane) Jordan, Betty Grady, Frances (Tom) Norris, Juanita (Levelle) Bryant, and sister-in-law Marilyn (Jerry) Davis; her special friends, the Poston family—Kris, Billy, TeAnna, and Taighen—who held a special place in her heart; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Sidney and Beatrice Locklair Jordan; her first husband and father of her children, Thomas E. Garris; her second husband, Fred C. Owens; her son, Thomas "Rod" Garris; her grandson, Lake Garris; her brothers, Samuel Jordan and David Jordan.

The family will receive friends from 4:00 PM until 5:00 PM on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Carolina Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 5:00 PM on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, in the Carolina Funeral Home Chapel, with burial to follow at Strickland-Feagin Cemetery.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Your Health Home Health, Agape Hospice, and her wonderful caregivers, Becky Ryals, Evelyn Cooper, and Gwen Richardson. Your love, compassion, and dedication allowed Mrs. Owens to remain surrounded by comfort and dignity. You cared for her as if she were your own family, and for that, we will be forever grateful.

Memorial contributions may be made to Camp Branch Church of God of Prophecy, c/o Mike Watson, 2334 Salem Road, Scranton, SC.

Though her family grieves her loss, they find comfort in knowing that her legacy of love, kindness, faith, and devotion will live on through the generations she so lovingly nurtured. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

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