WINTERVILLE, NC – At 98 years old, Doris Early Cowan, formerly of Powellsville, passed away on February 25th in the early morning hours — her favorite time of day.
She was born July 5, 1920, in Bertie County, the ninth of ten children born to Levenia and Alfonso Early.
Doris is preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, James E. Cowan; all nine of her siblings; and her lifelong best friend, Beulah Hoggard.
She is survived by three children, Gail Leyrer, Richard Cowan, and Celeste Cowan; five grandchildren, Eric, Aimee, Lydia, Hayley, and Marley; as well as four great-grandchildren and many cherished nieces and nephews.
Doris was a lifelong nurturer to her friends, family and fellow members of her beloved Powellsville community. She was a passionate teacher’s aide for a number of years and instilled in her children and grandchildren the importance of a good education.
She taught her family many valuable lessons during her long life, some of which include: love is the most important thing, you’re never too old to have a sleepover with your very best friend, chocolate is good for the soul, and a potato chip container can be turned into almost anything — a soap dish, pen holder, wallet, or jewelry box.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 28th at 2 p.m. at the Powellsville Baptist Church. The family will receive friends immediately following the service in the church fellowship hall. Arrangements are by Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service and online condolences may be directed to the family by visiting www.garrettsykesfs.com.
Dear Gail, Richard and Celeste,
My heart goes out to you and your families for the loss of your precious mother.
I will always have fond memories of your mother especially the devoted, life-long friendship shared by my mother, Beulah, and her. Our family loved and enjoyed the times when Mrs. Cowan would visit our mother and spend nights with her in Powellsville reminiscing of years past. She loved to come to Powellsville, attend church and visit community friends. I will always have happy memories of those special times. What a wonderful gift to have been given loving mothers who were blessed with long lives. I loved her too and will surely miss her. I have a warm place in my heart knowing that she is now in the arms of our Lord and she and my mother are having a glorious reunion. Please know that you all are being uplifted in prayer for understanding, comfort and peace, and strength now and in the days ahead.
Love,
Nancy
Gail, Richard, and Celeste, my heart goes out to you and your entire family. Mama and her were as you know lifelong friends beginning at childhood. It was truly a joy when she came to visit Mama and to hear them both talk about growing up, the war years, and raising their families. She seemed to enjoy going to my church with Mama and worshiping with our church family on several occasions. Now she is rejoicing in paradise with Mr. James and I cannot express enough how much I loved her. May God with his love and grace give you and your entire family
peace in your hearts. I know Mama was waiting in heaven to greet her.