Lessie Lorraine Cason

On Friday, May 8, 2026, God called His daughter, Lessie Lorraine Owens Cason, to her eternal rest. Lessie was born on September 17, 1952, in Princess Anne County, Virginia, to the late Percy T. Owens and Lessie Frances Goldie Davenport Owens.

Lessie grew up in Virginia Beach, Virginia, where she attended Seaboard Elementary School and graduated from Kellam High School in 1970.

On December 25, 1971, Lessie married the love of her life, Joe Andrew Cason, and together they lovingly raised two daughters. After her relationship with God, being a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother brought her the greatest joy.

Lessie was an organizational and cleaning genius who took pride in creating a warm, beautiful, and loving home. She used these talents professionally for several years as a housekeeper before transitioning to the Environmental Services Department at Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters. In 2016, Lessie began employment with Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation at Princess Anne Recreation Center, where she faithfully served as a Recreation Aide for approximately ten years, until her illness. Lessie is remembered as “a very hard worker and instrumental in getting many things accomplished across the center.”

Lessie was a dedicated and faithful member of Mount Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church, where she served as a Stewardess and Missionary. She loved working with children and teaching them about Jesus, serving for many years as a creative and exemplary Sunday School teacher for preschool-aged children. She always told the children, ‘Jesus loves you—yes, Jesus loves you!’

Like the September sapphire, Lessie was known for her wisdom, truthfulness, faithfulness, loyalty, and fierce protectiveness of those she loved. She was unwavering in her devotion to God, her husband, family, and friends. Her light will forever shine in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Lessie is preceded in death by four siblings: Katharine L. Hinton (Willie), Larry R. Owens, Sr. (Annie), George J. Owens (Lucy), and Percy W. Owens (Druscillia).

Lessie leaves to cherish her memories: her beloved husband, Joe A. Cason; her loving daughters, Melinda S. Wilson (Ryland L. Wilson) and Cassandra A. Cason Griffin (Darryl R. Griffin); and her precious grandsons, LaRay S. Wilson and Justin D. Griffin. Lessie is also survived by her siblings: Thomas L. Owens, Marjorie Lewis (Robert), Randy C. Owens, Frances O. Morgan, and Roslyn R. Williams. She also leaves behind a host of nephews, nieces, great-nephews, great-nieces, cousins, and dear friends. Lessie deeply loved her family and treasured spending time with them during gatherings and holidays.