Madeline Owens Kerr

Madeline Owens Kerr, age 95, passed away peacefully at her home on January 19, 2024.  Born on May 13, 1928, in Bucu, Dickinson County, VA to the late Bascom Guy Owens and Edna Sutherland Owens. At the time of passing, Madeline still lived independently in her home which she so treasured.

Madeline was always stylish, fashion forward, a born leader and an entrepreneur. After returning to the workforce in the early 60’s she became an Independent Style Show Consultant for the “Beeline Fashions”. She took the sales experience she gained in her first business and in 1969 obtained her Real Estate License and became a REALTOR. Madeline sold Real Estate in Northern Virginia for Coldwell Banker Routh Robbins REALTORS where she really shined from 1969-1988 achieving the top accolade in the NVBR “Sales Masters Club” and was a Top Producer countless times.  She excelled in helping individuals and families find their dream homes.  Madeline’s professionalism and expertise made her an invaluable asset to the real estate industry.

Beyond her professional achievements, Madeline was cherished for the warmth and kindness she exuded towards everyone she met.  Her gentle nature and welcoming spirit had a way of making others feel at ease in her presence.

Madeline was not only known for her compassionate nature but also for being an immaculate housekeeper and entertainer. She took pride in creating a warm and inviting home for herself, loved ones and friends. Her meticulous attention to detail ensured that every corner of her house was always adorned with beauty and order.

Outside of work, Madeline enjoyed engaging in various hobbies that brought her immense joy, from entering her prize-winning African Violets in local county fairs, to taking pictures of Life as Madeline saw it. One could often find her engrossed in working jigsaw puzzles or solving world searches.  She relished the challenge these activities posed while allowing herself moments of relaxation.

After living in Europe in the late 1950’s with her husband, Robert Earl (D) and her daughter Kathy, Madeline’s adventurous spirit was set in motion. She found Traveling to new places was something that she cherished deeply. Exploring different cultures and experiencing diverse landscapes brought enrichment to her life.  Her enthusiasm for travel extended beyond her personal enjoyment, she absolutely loved traveling to new destinations with her family. Madeline was able to treat her family by taking them on several Caribbean Cruises, many European Adventures such as France, Germany, and Ireland to name a few and she loved discovering America!

Madeline’s impact and influence were not limited to her immediate family.  Her legacy of love and kindness was experienced by friends, extended family, and the Abingdon community as a whole. She leaves behind cherished memories and a lasting imprint on those who had the privilege of crossing paths with her.

In addition to her parents, Madeline was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Earl Kerr, son-in-law, Robert Calhoun (Cal) Jordan III, sister Marriane Rose & numerous brothers-in-laws & sisters-In-law.

Madeline’s memory will forever be cherished by her surviving family and friends, including her daughters Kathy Kerr Chandler (Barry Gene Chandler) and Cindy Kerr Jordan.  In addition to her daughters, she is survived by grandchildren Robert Wesley Jordan (Stephanie Roberts Jordan), Regan Vaughn Chandler, sister Marnella Rodriguez, brother-in-law Albert Conrad Rodriguez, sisters-in-laws Barbara Stephens Kerr and Deborah Kerr, and many nieces and nephews too numerous to name individually. Madeline’s love for her family extended beyond measure, and their bond remains unbreakable. 

To honor Madeline’s life, visitation services will be held at Farris Funeral Service - Main Street Chapel in Abingdon on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM.  Following the visitation, a funeral service will commence at the same location from 2:00 PM. Burial will be at Forest Hills Memory Gardens in Abingdon.

Madeline Owens Kerr will be remembered fondly for her unwavering love, care and dedication to both her family and community.  Her impact reached far and wide, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her.  As we mourn her loss, let us also celebrate the vibrant life she lived and strive to carry forth the kind of compassion she exemplified. May she rest in peace, and may her spirit continue to inspire us all to embrace life with the same zest, love and compassion that she so beautifully exemplified.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105  https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.

The family of Madeline Owens Kerr is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service & Crematory, Main Street location, 427 E. Main Street, Abingdon VA 276-623-2700.