Lancelot Owens Jr: The Tragic Loss of Queen Latifah’s Brother

Lancelot Owens Jr., left a mark on the lives of those who knew him. As the older brother of the renowned Queen Latifah, his legacy transcends his role as a dedicated police officer tragically lost in a motorcycle accident.

In this article, we delve into the life of Lancelot Owens Jr., exploring his early years, family ties, and the profound impact of his untimely demise on his sister and community.

Quick Bio

NameLancelot Owens Jr.
GenderMale
Date of BirthMarch 1st, 1968
Place of BirthNewark, New Jersey, USA
ParentsLancelot Owens Sr. and Rita Owens
SiblingsQueen Latifah
ReligionChristian
NationalityAmerican
EthnicityAfrican American
OccupationPolice Officer
DeathMay 1992

Early Life:

Lancelot Owens Jr. was born on March 1, 1968, in Newark, New Jersey, to parents Lancelot Owens Sr. and Rita Owens. Growing up in a caring household, Lancelot shared a strong bond with his parents and younger sister, Queen Latifah. 

These two siblings faced certain challenges together like separation of their parents but continued to offer love and respect to each other. 

Lancelot and Queen Latifah developed a shared passion for motorcycles, an interest that would later play a significant role in Lancelot’s life.

Who are Lancelot Owens Jr. Parents?

Lancelot Owens Jr. was born to Lancelot Amos Owens Sr. and Rita Lamae Bray Owens. Both of them played pivotal roles in shaping his life. 

His father’s career as a police officer influenced Lancelot’s aspirations, leading him to follow in his father’s footsteps. Despite their divorce, both parents remained influential figures in Lancelot’s life, contributing to his commitment as a devoted police officer.

His Father- Lancelot Amos Owens Sr. :

Lancelot Amos Owens, also recognized as Lancelot Owens Sr., was the father of Queen Latifah and Lancelot Owens Jr. As a dedicated police officer, he embarked on a career that inspired his son to follow in his footsteps. 

Lancelot Amos Owens Sr.
PHOTO: WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/ @QUEENLATIFAH

Although Lancelot Owens and Rita Bray got separated, he still remained a regular presence in his children’s life and taught them various skills like karate and holding guns.

Unfortunately, specific details regarding Lancelot Amos Owens’ personal and professional life remain undocumented.

His Mother- Rita Lamae Bray:

Lancelot Owen Jr.’s mother was Rita Lamae Bray Owens, born on September 28, 1949. She enjoyed a diverse professional journey as both an art teacher and actress. 

Rita Lamae Bray
PHOTO: WWW.PEOPLEMAGAZINE.COM

Graduating from Kean College in 1980, she dedicated herself to the field of education, teaching art for the Irvington Board of Education. 

Simultaneously, she pursued her passion for acting. Some of her notable acting movies are “The Cookout” (2004), “Living Single” (1993), and “The Cookout 2” (2011).

Tragically, in 2018, she died due to a heart condition, leaving behind a legacy of passion and familial love.

Lancelot’s Sister- Queen Latifah:

Lancelot Owen Jr. had no other sibling except his younger sister, Queen Latifah born as Dana Elaine Owens. She was born in 1970, two years after her brother. 

Queen Latifah is a versatile artist known for her achievements as a rapper, actress, singer, songwriter, film producer, and talk show host. 

Lancelot’s Sister- Queen Latifah
PHOTO: THE US SUN

In the realm of music, Queen Latifah released her debut album, All Hail the Queen, on November 28, 1989, featuring the hit single “Ladies First.” Following this, Nature of a Sista (1991) marked her second album. 

Her third album, Black Reign (1993) made history as the first solo female rapper album to receive a gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The album’s single “U.N.I.T.Y.” earned her a Grammy Award.

Beyond music, Queen Latifah expanded her career into acting with a leading role in Set It Off (1996). Notably, she gained acclaim for her role as Matron “Mama” Morton in the musical film Chicago (2002).

In addition to her successful acting career, Queen Latifah ventured into television with the daytime talk show The Queen Latifah Show, running from 1999 to 2001 and again from 2013 to 2015. 

Her multifaceted career continues to leave a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.

Educational and Professional Journey:

Lancelot Owens Jr. attended a local high school in Irvington, New Jersey, and, inspired by his father, pursued a career in law enforcement. 

Enrolling in the Police Institute, he became a police officer in East Orange, New Jersey, where his dedication and enthusiasm earned him admiration within the community. 

Over his 25-year career, Lancelot held various roles, including patrol officer, detective, and lieutenant.

Marital Status and Net Worth:

Lancelot was not married when death striked him. Therefore, no information about his marriage or relationship is present on the internet.

Although he was a committed policeman, there is no available source to estimate his net worth.

What Caused the Death of Lancelot Owens Jr?

In 1992, tragedy struck when Lancelot Owens Jr. was involved in a fatal motorcycle accident.  Lancelot’s life was cut short at the age of 24 while riding the bike gifted by his sister, Queen Latifah. His bike collided with a car while taking a turn.

The devastating incident had a deep effect on Queen Latifah and her family, leaving them with everlasting sorrow. 

Handling Grief and Healing:

The loss of Lancelot Owens Jr. was a challenging journey for his family, particularly Queen Latifah. Overcoming grief and depression, Queen Latifah found relief and support among friends and family. 

She turned to substance abuse as a coping mechanism but eventually managed to heal and cherish the memories of her beloved brother.

Preserving Lancelot’s Legacy:

Queen Latifah steadfastly upholds the memory of Lancelot through her work. In her music video for “U.N.I.T.Y.” and the album “Black Reign,” she pays homage to her departed brother. 

The gesture of wearing the key to the motorcycle of her brother is a symbol of their profound connection. Queen Latifah’s love for her brother is also reflected by her regular social media posts of Lancelot’s birthday.