The Enduring Legacy Of Rita Owens: 5 Surprising Facts About Queen Latifah's Inspirational Mother

The story of Rita Owens is one of profound strength, artistic passion, and an unbreakable bond with her daughter, the legendary Queen Latifah. While many know her as the fiercely supportive mother who often accompanied her daughter on the red carpet, Rita Owens was a force in her own right—a dedicated art teacher whose decade-long battle with heart failure became a public testament to resilience and the power of family caregiving. This article, updated in December 2025, dives deep into the life, career, and enduring legacy of the woman Queen Latifah called her "bright light."

Rita Owens passed away on March 21, 2018, but her impact continues to shape Queen Latifah's career and advocacy work. From inspiring the rapper-turned-actress to pursue her dreams to teaching art in a New Jersey high school, Owens led a life of quiet influence and unexpected celebrity. We explore the essential facts about her life, her health journey, and the incredible legacy she left behind.

Rita Owens: Complete Biographical Profile

Rita Lamay Owens (née Bray) was a woman of many roles: a mother, a teacher, a caregiver, and an occasional actress. Her life was defined by dedication to her family and her passion for the arts, which she shared with countless students.

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• Full Name: Rita Lamay Owens (née Bray)
• Date of Birth: c. 1949 (The exact date is often cited around 1949, though some sources vary)
• Place of Birth: Aberdeen, Harford, Maryland, United States
• Date of Death: March 21, 2018
• Place of Death: Wayne, New Jersey, United States
• Cause of Death: Complications from a long-term battle with heart failure (suffered for over a decade)
• Profession: Retired High School Art Teacher (New Jersey)
• Spouse: Lance Owens (divorced; he was a police officer)
• Children: Dana Elaine Owens (Queen Latifah) and Angelo Owens (deceased brother)
• Notable Appearances: Living Single, The Cookout, The Cookout II

The Dedicated Art Teacher and Unexpected Actress

Before she became known as Queen Latifah’s mother, Rita Owens built a fulfilling career as a high school art teacher in New Jersey. Her professional life was spent nurturing the creativity of young students, a role that showcased her own deep appreciation for the arts and education. This foundation of discipline and creative expression undoubtedly influenced her daughter's multifaceted career.

A Surprising Turn to Hollywood

Despite her background as an educator, Owens made several memorable appearances in television and film, often alongside her famous daughter. This unexpected career turn added a unique layer to her public persona. She appeared in:

• Living Single: The popular 1990s sitcom where Queen Latifah starred as Khadijah James. Rita Owens made a cameo, bringing a touch of real-life family dynamic to the show.
• The Cookout (2004) and The Cookout II (2011): These comedy films saw her take on more prominent, albeit supporting, roles. Her presence on screen was a testament to the close, collaborative relationship she shared with Dana Owens (Queen Latifah).

These appearances solidified her as more than just a celebrity parent; she was a genuine entity in her daughter's professional world, a testament to their closeness and mutual support. Her willingness to step into the spotlight later in life demonstrated a vibrant, adventurous spirit.

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The Decade-Long Battle with Heart Failure and Caregiving

The most defining and public chapter of Rita Owens’ later life was her long and courageous struggle with congestive heart failure. The diagnosis came after she passed out while teaching an art class, a moment that fundamentally changed the trajectory of her life and her daughter's.

Queen Latifah’s Role as Caregiver

For over a decade, Rita Owens managed her chronic heart condition, and Queen Latifah became her primary family caregiver. This role was not just a duty but a deeply personal commitment that the actress openly discussed, highlighting the challenges and rewards of caring for an ailing parent.

• Advocacy: Latifah often spoke about the importance of heart health awareness and the need for better resources for caregivers. Her experience with her mother turned her into an advocate for the American Heart Association and other health organizations.
• Personal Impact: The experience of caregiving profoundly impacted Queen Latifah, forcing her to balance her demanding career with the emotional and logistical needs of her mother’s health. She noted that the diagnosis shifted their priorities, focusing their attention on health and well-being.
• The "Bright Light": In her official statement confirming her mother’s passing in 2018, Queen Latifah described Rita Owens as "the brightest light in my life" and "anyone that has ever met her knows what a bright light she was." This sentiment captured the immense love and inspiration Owens provided, even during her illness.

Rita Owens' Enduring Legacy and Impact on Queen Latifah

Rita Owens' death on March 21, 2018, marked the end of her life but the beginning of an enduring legacy that continues to influence her daughter and the public discourse on caregiving and heart health.

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The Pillar of Strength

Owens was consistently cited by Queen Latifah as her main source of inspiration and strength. She was the anchor who helped Latifah navigate the complexities of the entertainment industry, providing grounded advice and unconditional love. The emotional toll of losing her brother, Angelo Owens, in a motorcycle accident in 1992, was a tragedy that Rita and Dana faced together, further cementing their bond.

Advocacy Through Grief

In the years since her passing, Queen Latifah has channeled her grief into continued advocacy. Her openness about her mother's journey with heart failure has raised awareness about the condition, particularly within the Black community, where heart disease rates are disproportionately high. The story of Rita Owens is now intrinsically linked to conversations about chronic illness management, the dedication of family caregivers, and the need for comprehensive health support.

Her life, from a humble art teacher in New Jersey to a source of global inspiration, serves as a powerful reminder of the profound influence a mother can have. Rita Owens’ legacy is not just in the films she appeared in or the famous daughter she raised, but in the quiet dignity with which she lived and fought her final battle, inspiring millions to prioritize health and cherish family. Her light continues to shine through Queen Latifah's work and life.