Nellie Grace Owens, 86, of Waterloo, died Monday, January 18, 2021 at Unity Point Health Allen Hospital. She was born April 16, 1934 in Ebenezer, MS the daughter of Bea and Cherry Lambert Parks.

She married Jesse Owens on April 2, 1950 in Holmes County, MS, they were later divorced.

Nellie worked in Housekeeping at John Deere Co. for many years, retiring in 2009.

She was a member of Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church, where she was an usher and choir member over 50 years. She enjoyed church, working in the church kitchen and humming hymns.

Survived by: two sons, Jesse Owens, Jr. of MS, Ernest (Ellen) Owens of Waterloo; five daughters, Posey McCellan of Aurora, CO, Patrisha “Tudda” (Arthur) Johnson of Waterloo, Peggy “Cookie” Owens of Waterloo, Linda “Mookie” Owens of Waterloo and Wanda (Dexter) James of Waterloo; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and one sister, Posey LeFlore of Waterloo.

Preceded in death by: her parents; two grandchildren, LaKisha Williams and Jamar Owens; four sisters; three brothers and a daughter-in-law, Patricia Owens.