Janet Owens, executive director of the Local Initiatives Support Corp. Jacksonville office, died April 8 after a battle with cancer. She was 67.
“The entire LISC family mourns the loss of Janet and we extend our deepest sympathies to her family and friends. Janet was a tremendous driving force in advancing LISC Jacksonville’s mission and work in our urban communities. She will be remembered as an inspirational community leader, advocate and trustee,” LISC said in a news release.
Owens joined LISC Jacksonville as executive director in 2010 and shifted the organization’s strategic focus to a comprehensive approach for community development.
She directed initiatives to improve access to education, increase family income and wealth, create affordable housing, promote economic investment and development, and foster safer and healthier neighborhoods for urban residents and stakeholders.
“Janet was a rare spirit, always filled with love and a positive outlook, and possessed an extraordinary ability to make everyone she encountered feel important and heard. Jacksonville has suffered a tremendous loss, but we are also filled with gratitude and lifelong appreciation for having received all that Janet gave to so many, for so long,” said Sherry Magill, chair of the LISC Jacksonville advisory board, in the release.
In 2019, Owens received the University of North Florida OneJax Humanitarian Award in recognition of her integrity and dedication to improving human relations among diverse groups.
Leadership Jacksonville recognized her as an outstanding community trustee during its 2018 Leadership Celebration. The Girl Scouts of Gateway Council chose her for a Women of Distinction Award in 2009 for her career accomplishments and commitment to community service.
“Janet was a phenomenal community leader whose passion for helping our most vulnerable neighbors was rooted deeply in her soul, and she radiated that passion to everyone around her. I am honored and grateful to have had the opportunity to work alongside her for many years,” said J.F. Bryan IV, former chair of the LISC Jacksonville advisory board.
Memorial service arrangements will be announced later.