Wilma Fausett Owen

SIKESTON, Mo. — Wilma Lee Fausett Owen, 91, passed away peacefully with her two sons by her side on the first day of spring, Thursday, March 19, 2020.

Wilma Owen

She was born Dec. 17, 1928, in Parma, Missouri, daughter of Fred and Dorothy Powell.

She married Charles David “Charly” Fausett on Dec. 28, 1946, and he preceded her death Sept. 19, 1972.

They owned and operated Fausett Distributing Co. Even following Charles’ untimely death, Wilma continued to operate the company until the time it was sold. Charles and Wilma were actively involved in the Sikeston community. Wilma was a charter member of the Women’s Jaycees and loved her bridge club and church. Wilma taught for more than 35 years, primarily for the Sikeston School District. Her passion was teaching her first-graders, which she fondly remembered with a smile on her face. It brought her so much joy when she would see former students out on the town. She loved each one of them.

Wilma later married Walter “Calvin” Owen on Aug. 18, 1978. He also preceded her in death April 30, 2014. Some of their fondest memories included dancing, antiquing, traveling internationally, working in their yard and garden, and spending time with the grandchildren.

Some of her fondest times included getting up on Friday and Saturday mornings and going to garage sales, thrift stores, antique stores and flea markets on the hunt for unusual antiques. She would often say the sounds of roosters crowing at the Sikeston Trade Winds, which she was able to hear when walking out the back door, were music to her ears. As a hobby, she bought and sold antiques and was a long-time member of the area’s antique culture, in which she made many friends.

Wilma was known for her resilience, suffering many losses throughout her life. She faced difficulties with strength and grace, for which her family will remember her. Along with her many talents and attributes, Wilma had an eye for fashion and was always dressed to impress. She never lost her love for that, even as she grew older.

Wilma is survived by her sons, Charles David (Regina) Fausett of Bartlett, Tennessee, and Mark Steven (Kathy) Fausett of Jackson; granddaughters, Charly (Jesse) Essner of Jackson and Lauren Fausett of Bartlett; and great-granddaughter, Remley Kate Essner of Jackson.

A private graveside service was held Tuesday in Sikeston.

Wilma would want donations to be made to Sikeston Public School Foundation, 1002 Virginia St., Sikeston MO 63801.

Ponder Funeral Home in Sikeston was in charge of arrangements.