Donna Lee Owens

Donna L. Owens, 72, of Franklin, traded in her aviators for angel wings on July 7. The skies are quieter now, but Heaven's definitely louder.

A decorated military fighter pilot, Maryland native, Bingo lover, and unapologetic wearer of wildly funny t-shirts, Donna lived on true grit and gumption. She swam the Chesapeake Bay twice, once wrestled a black bear while reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, and taught danger to back down.

Most of her missions are still classified, but it's rumored she flew through a typhoon-- upside-down -- just to prove she could. Her roundhouse kick once set off car alarms three counties away. Chuck Norris was her biggest fan.

Donna beat death so often it started taking it personally -- until she finally gave it a win, just to be polite.

Her life was mystery and mischief. Donna kept her past quiet, not out of modesty, but because "the world wouldn't believe half of it anyway." She adored her short, bearded husband, Robert -- proof that behind every legendary woman is a man smart enough to stand back.

She is survived by her son, Vitto, who inherited her spine of steel and wicked wit.

In her honor: salute a soldier, spin a tall tale, and crack open a blue crab. Fly high, Captain. And give 'em heaven up there.

Online condolences can be left at www.bryantgrantfuneralhome.com

Bryant-Grant Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the Owens family.