Nancy Huson Owens passed away peacefully on November 25, 2025, at the age of 87. Born on October 9, 1938, in Washington, DC, Nancy lived a long and full life enriched by curiosity, kindness, and deep affection for family, animals, and the coastal home she cherished.

A memorial service for Nancy will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, November 29th, 2025, at the Sneads Ferry United Methodist Church with Pastor Rob Licht officiating. The family will have a time of fellowship following the service.

Nancy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, C.T. Owens, with whom she shared decades of partnership, laughter, and adventure. After years spent in the bustle of Washington, D.C. and northern Virginia, Nancy and C.T. retired to Sneads Ferry, North Carolina in 1991—a place she fell in love with immediately and forever. She often said she could not imagine why anyone would want to live anywhere else. The salt air, the slow rhythm of tide and season, the working boats on the New River, and the heritage of local fishermen became part of her heart and identity. Here, she felt at home.

Nancy is survived by her son, Frank Owens, her daughter, Maggie Duke, daughter-in-law, Whitney Owens, and son-in-law, Darren Duke. She leaves behind seven grandchildren and one great-granddaughter, each of whom she cherished deeply and encouraged with pride, humor, and unwavering love.

A woman of strong spirit and resolute nature, Nancy lived her days with discipline, intentionality, and gratitude. She maintained her routines faithfully, rising early, reading voraciously, and continuing to learn throughout her life. She approached the world with genuine curiosity, a keen intellect, and a soft spot for every creature that crossed her path. Her lifelong passion for animals—especially cats and horses—was a defining joy. Whether on horseback or lost in a book, Nancy embraced the world with energy and purpose.

Nancy had a heart tuned toward helping others. She was generous not only in what she gave, but in the way she gave—with sincerity, humility, and a fiery sense of what was believed was right. Those who knew her saw both the gentle and determined sides of her spirit: her compassion and her feistiness, her resolve and her generosity.

She loved boat rides on the New River, where memories of laughter, wind, and water will forever linger for those who shared them. She hoped always that Sneads Ferry would keep its character, its working boats, and the unique culture that C.T. first brought her to discover. In that place she found something beautiful, and she remained grateful for it every single day.

Nancy will be remembered with affection, respect, and gratitude—for the life she lived, the love she gave, and the family and community she enriched. Her story continues in those who knew her, learned from her, and loved her. May she rest in peace, and may her memory remain a blessing to all who were fortunate enough to share in her life.

The family respectfully requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to "Operation Top Cat Rescue" at www.operationtopcatnc.org , or to the Samaritan's Purse at www.samaritanspurse.org .