Pastor Maria L. Owens

Maria Laferne Owens , 59, passed away on June 2, 2024 in Burleson, Texas with her husband by her side. She was born July 29, 1964 in Dallas, Texas to Billy Joe Ford, Roy Dean Wallace Sr. and Maggie Ree McNeil-Wallace. 

Maria was very focused and determined growing up. Always aiming for straight A’s and was very competitive when it came to sports. She enjoyed playing volleyball, basketball and even bowling. 

In 2017, Maria graduated from Georgia State University with a degree in Social Work, concentrated in Gerontology. She served the elderly as a medical social worker for Hospice Preferred Choice (AseraCare Hospice) in Atlanta, Georgia from 2018 to 2019. While in college, she worked full-time at Arrow Exterminators as a Warranty Claims Coordinator in Atlanta, GA and lastly an Office Manager in North Richland Hills, TX. Where she won the Circle of Success award twice. She was known by her colleagues as a hard worker, her professionalism, integrity, advocacy, leadership and positivity. Her hobbies included singing, crocheting, writing, spending time with her grandchildren and traveling. 

Maria married Troy Owens Jr on February 20th 1990. Creating a blended family of 7: Chris, William, Tradese, Michael, Brandon, Latoya and Trenton. During their years together she was ordained to be a Pastor twice. In 2010, she was ordained by Pastor Emma Owens (Hedges & Highways Corporation). September 15th, 2013, she was ordained and licensed by Pastor Darryl Brown (Jesus The Foundation Ministries). After a few years, they began A Haven At The Crossroads ministry in East Point, GA. Where she served as Co-Pastor. After moving back to her hometown of Fort Worth, TX, she and her husband began Measures of Faith Church. Throughout the years she ministered through song, preaching, praying and helping those in need. 

Maria is survived by her husband, Troy L. Owens Jr.; children, Chris Hines, Timesha (Jerry) Sampson-Jones, William (Jayme) Upshaw, Tradese (Keldrick) Gibson, Michael Upshaw, Brandon Owens, Latoya Owens, Trenton Owens, and Emma Owens; mother, Maggie Ree McNeil; siblings, Lesa Wallace, Michael Wallace, Ricky Wallace Sr, Dominick (Mary) Ford; along with 20 grandchildren, God-children, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. 

She is preceded in death by her brothers, Darvis Devon Ford, Roy Dean Wallace Jr; father’s, Billy Joe Ford and Roy Dean Wallace Sr.; and grandmother, Ethel Lee Ford. 

Maria will be remembered by her firm stance in God, her anointed voice, healing hands, spirit filled preaching and teaching, and her forgiving heart.