Margaret Wilson Owen

Margaret Wilson Owen of Dahlonega, Georgia, passed away on May 24, 2025.  She was born on January 21, 1925, in Chicago, Illinois.  She was the daughter of the late Joseph Edward Wilson and Majorie Starr Wilson of Chicago Illinois.  Her husband, John Hinsey Owen, predeceased her.  She had been a resident of Dahlonega for over fifty years and had just recently celebrated her 100th birthday.  

She attended DePaul University, College of Commerce in Chicago, Illinois.  After graduation she worked for the National War Labor Board until the end of World War II.  She met her future husband, John H. Owen, when he came to Chicago to attend Northwestern University Midshipmen School.  They married in August of 1946.

In 1970, Dr. Owen became the 12th president of the University of North Georgia, known then as North Georgia College.  Margaret loved being the First Lady of North Georgia College.    At that time there was no dining hall for entertaining, so Margaret entertained students and faculty, as well as a future president, at their home on campus, doing all the cooking herself.  The Student Government Association presented her with a plaque proclaiming her “Best Cook Ever in Town”.

Margaret loved volunteering in the community.  She was a member of the Dahlonega Women’s Club, Dahlonega Club, Retired Educator’s, and Friends of the Library.  She helped with the Red Cross Blood drives on campus and delivered Meals on Wheels for 15 years.  She was a charter member of the Hospital Auxiliary and Dahlonega Humane Society.  

In 1989, Margaret received recognition during the Parents-Alumni Weekend for her contributions to the College.   On May 1st, a mayoral proclamation officially recognized Margaret Wilson Owen Day on campus and in Dahlonega.

In 1989, Margaret was selected as the Queen of Gold Rush alongside Dr. Owen, who reigned as King.  That same year the Dahlonega Woman’s Club asked her to take over the job of Scholarship Chair.  At this time there were no scholarships, only cash awards given to graduating seniors.  Working with the College, she personally raised over $60,000 as starter money for scholarships.  In 2001 the Dahlonega Women’s Club established a full scholarship in Dr. Owen and Margaret’s names to North Georgia College.  

Scholarships for Men's and Women's Basketball, Rifle, and Physical Therapy were established in Dr. John and Margaret Owen’s names. 

In 1999 the College honored her by naming the living room in the Alumni Center (her former home for 21 years) the “Margaret Wilson Owen” room.  That same year the Lumpkin County Development Authority presented her with a “Gold Medal Award” for “Past and present commitment to improving the quality of life for your fellow man”.  

Margaret kept the records of the history of NGC for 22 years.  The NGC Library Archives received these donated papers, pictures, and awards.   

In 2000, NGC presented her with the “Golden Steeple Award” in recognition of her outstanding service to the College.  She also received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Historical Society for contributions to the community, and especially for her work on the Community House.   

Mrs. Owen is survived by her daughters, Cathy Scheffer and her husband Gus of Atlanta, Georgia, Karen Gormley and her husband Tommy of Lawrenceville, Georgia, and by her grandsons Michael Parsons of Carrollton, Georgia, Mitchell Gormley of New York City, and Thomas Gormley (Lynda) of Miami, Florida.  She also leaves behind two great-grandsons, Tucker and Hunter Gormley.

Memorial donations can be made to the John and Margaret Owen Scholarship Fund at the University of North Georgia, Dahlonega, Ga

A private family event to celebrate her life will be held in the near future.   

To share a memory or condolences with the family visit Mrs. Owen’s online guestbook at andersonunderwood.com.  

Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home 2068 Highway 19 North Dahlonega, GA 30533.