Adarius Rakim Owens

Adarius Rakim Owens aka “AO” of Garland, NC, departed into eternal life with Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on May 3, 2025, at his residence. He was born on April 27, 1990, to Otis Swain and Everlene Goddard Owens. He was adopted at the age of 4 by his stepfather, Howard Lee Owens. Adarius attended and graduated from East Bladen High School in Bladen County. After Graduation, he attended A & T State University in Greensboro, NC with intended major for engineering and Bladen Community College in Dublin, NC, for cosmetology.

Adarius was a gifted drummer and began playing the drums at the age of 2. He mastered the drums and played for many choirs and churches at an early age. Also, he played the saxophone in the school band and began to play the keyboard by ear. Adarius had a profound love for music. Among his passions was cutting hair for family and friends.

Adarius was a member of The Church of the Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith. He was a part of the Youth Department and enjoyed attending the Youth Conferences in various states. He was a very compassionate, kind-hearted, loving, and affectionate young man that never met a stranger. He would go the extra mile to help others. Everyone that he loved was considered family to him. He left an impact on many people whom he met. Other than music, he enjoyed fishing and using his hands to fix and build things. During health challenges and struggles, he was determined to live life to the fullest.

Adarius was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, the late Roy and Evelyn Goddard, and paternal grandparents, the late Marvin Sr. and Bessie Owens; Joe Sr., and Kathleen Swain.

Adarius leaves to cherish his memory his parents, Howard and Everlene Owens of Garland, NC, and his biological father, Otis Swain of Roper, NC. In addition, he leaves to cherish 3 children, Nehemiah Hay of Garland, NC; Vadariyah Owens, and Vaziyah Owens of Clinton, NC; 2 brothers, Nikita (aka Nick) Owens of Guam; Ty’re Owens of Garland, NC; 3 sisters, Brittnie Owens, and Jasmine Owens of Fayetteville, NC, and Sherita Owens of Eastover, NC. Also, he leaves to cherish his memory his girlfriend and mother of his daughters, Venishia Monroe of Clinton, NC, special uncle, Samuel Goddard; Special Honorary brothers Joshua Goddard, Mario Highsmith, Kenneth Owens, Jamal Smith, Akeem Wilcox, and the rest of the C-Creek Crew… host of uncles, aunts, cousins, friends, and beloved church family.

A Viewing will be held on Friday, May 09, 2025, at Carter Funeral Home, 111 N. Ingold Ave., Garland, NC, from 1:00-6:00 PM, with the family present from 5:00-6:00 PM. The Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at 12:00 Noon, at the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith, 718 Garland Airport Rd., Garland, NC 28441. Brother Samuel Goddard will be Officiating the Service. Interment to follow in the Owens Cemetery. 

Arrangements are provided by Carter Funeral Home of Garland. www.carterfh.com