Jean Gapper Owen, 97, of Boiling Springs, South Carolina passed away Sunday September 20, 2026. She lived a remarkable life filled with love, faith, family, and service to others. Born on August 8, 1929, in Britain, Jean was the youngest of six children born to the late William Gapper and Eliza Mary James. She grew up in Wales and graduated from Gregg Business School. During her childhood and teenage years, Jean experienced the realities of World War II firsthand from her village in Wales.

Jean was raised in the Presbyterian Church, and her faith remained an important part of her life.

At the age of 16, Jean’s life changed when she attended a town dance and met the love of her life, the late Les Owen, who was home on leave from the British Army. The two shared a love for dancing and bicycling and married five years later after Les completed his military service and college education. Their marriage was one of deep love and devotion, and together they welcomed their daughters, Heather and Liz.

In 1963, Jean and Les left their native Wales and immigrated to Canada. Four years later, they made their way to South Carolina, eventually settling in Spartanburg, where they raised their family and built a wonderful life together.

Jean worked for ten years in Britain and later spent another ten years in the Billing Department at Lockwood Greene Engineers in Spartanburg. She had a natural gift for accounting and organization and was known as an incredible typist.

Jean had many interests and talents. She was an avid gardener, pianist, silk flower arranger, and, in her younger years, an enthusiastic bicyclist. She loved being outdoors in the fresh air, dressing up and going dancing, and remained especially proud of her British heritage. Throughout her life, there was almost always a beloved dog or cat in her home. Her current companion, Rosie, held a particularly special place in her heart and could often be found cuddled beside her.

One of Jean’s greatest gifts was her ability to make a home feel warm and welcoming. She was an exceptional cook, and Sunday evenings became a treasured family tradition. Even after her daughters were grown, Jean continued preparing special Sunday meals, filling her home with wonderful aromas and bringing her family together around the table.

Jean also had a heart for helping others. For ten years, she volunteered with Spartanburg AWARE’s adult literacy program, providing one-on-one tutoring to help adults learn to read. She was especially proud of receiving an award from the State Literacy Association recognizing her decade of dedicated volunteer service.

Intelligent, positive, compassionate, and tender-hearted, Jean possessed an infectious laugh and a brilliant smile. As a mother, she seemed always to know what to say or do to make things better, offering encouragement, wisdom, and compassion through life’s joys and challenges. Above all, she loved her husband and children deeply, and her family remained at the center of her life.

Jean is survived by her daughters, Heather Owen Taylor (John) of Simpsonville and Liz Owen Clary of Spartanburg; and her granddaughter, Allyson Taylor Hunt of Greenville.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 52 years, Les Owen; her parents; her siblings; and her granddaughter, Amber Owen.

The family is especially grateful for the many years of loving care Liz provided to her mother and for the precious blessing both Heather and Liz had of sharing so many years with her. They also wish to express their heartfelt appreciation to the caregivers of V Care Hospice and South Carolina House Calls for the compassion, kindness, and laughter they brought to Jean and her family during difficult times.

A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, September 25, 2026, at Fort Prince Memorial Gardens, 126 Fort Prince Road, Wellford, South Carolina.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in appreciation of the caregivers who so compassionately cared for Jean.