Jerry Dean Owens

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jerry “Dean” Owens, who left this world on January 5, 2025, at the age of 47. Born June 20, 1977, Dean was a devoted husband, loving father, and passionate minister whose impact will be felt for generations to come.

Dean is survived by his wife, Alison Swindell Owens, with whom he shared 24 years of marriage, and their two beautiful daughters, Charlotte and Ivy. He was the son of Jerry Owens and Carol Skipper Owens. Dean was brother to Anthony Owens, Tosha Owens-Smith, and Tissha Meyers, and his late siblings, Terry Humphries and Karen Burnside.

Dean earned his Bachelor’s degree from Mid-Atlantic Christian University (formerly Roanoke Bible College), followed by a Master’s degree from Hope International University. His thirst for knowledge extended beyond formal education; he enjoyed the academic study of scripture and Bible history, and he thrived on deep, meaningful conversations about faith and life.

His ministry journey began in 2000 as a youth minister at Stoneybrook Christian Church in Wilson, North Carolina. In 2004, Dean became a campus minister with Campus Christian Fellowship at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he dedicated over 20 years of his life. His love for ministry was evident in his tireless work with students, fostering their spiritual growth and guiding them in their faith. Dean's passion for music was another key aspect of his life; he played various instruments and served on many worship teams throughout the years.

Dean had an innate ability to connect with others, often engaging in long, long discussions about faith and what it means to follow Christ. His enthusiasm for sharing the Word was contagious, and he inspired many individuals to pursue ministry paths of their own.

Dean was a two-time cancer survivor, who was able to use those hardships as part of his testimony. He was again recently diagnosed with cancer, and he died after a short battle with a cancer-related infection. His passing leaves a profound void in the hearts of all who knew him. 

The family expresses their gratitude to all who reached out with condolences and shared their cherished memories of Dean. In lieu of flowers, anyone who wishes to honor Dean’s legacy is invited to make a donation to Campus Christian Fellowship, the ministry he served for two decades (https://app.aplos.com/aws/give/CampusChristianFellowship/DeanOwensMemorial).  Additionally, in the coming days the family will be sharing a GoFundMe link, if you would like to offer financial assistance during this difficult time. For those who wish to share memories or favorite photos of Dean, please send them to deanowensmemorial@gmail.com so they can be preserved for his family.

A funeral service celebrating Dean’s life will be held on January 18, 2025, at 3:00 PM at Hillside Church (201 Culbreth Road, Chapel Hill). The family invites all who knew and loved Dean to attend and share in this celebration of his life.

While Dean is no longer with us in our earthly home, his memory will continue to inspire and guide his family and community, and we proceed with the faith that we’ll some day join him in our heavenly home.

Donaldson Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the Owens family.