Jean Frances Cowell

Jean Frances Cowell-

Jean Frances Cowell, 89, died January 19, 2016.

She was a native of North Dakota and resident of Gastonia for over 40 years ago.  The majority of her life was spent as a mother and homemaker until she started her professional career at JC Penny where she retired as a supervisor at 70 years of age.  In addition to her professional career, she supported her husband Darcy in dedicating many hours to assisting those with alcohol and drug addiction.

Jean was an avid gardener who loved spending 90 degree afternoons working in the yard.  She centered her life around her family, loved her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and was a devoted wife.  She cherished her many friendships and took great care in acknowledging special occasions with a phone call or a card.  She will be greatly missed by her family and valued friends.

She was proceeded in death by her husband of 65 years, Darcy.  She is survived by five children and spouses, son Richard Cowell and wife Terry of Pinehurst, N.C., daughter Cheryl Phillips and husband Harold of Pinehurst, N.C., daughter Kathleen Ferguson and husband Tim of Columbus, Ohio, daughter Deborah Lay and husband Charlie of Gastonia, N.C., and son Patrick and wife Terrie of Gastonia, N.C.  She was blessed with 10 loving grandchildren, Tiffany, Chauncey, Corey, Jeremy, Cortney, Meghan, Kristen, Charlie, Brian and Cameron; and 12 great-grandchildren.  She is also survived by a sister, Clare Nelson of St. Paul M.N. and numerous nieces and nephews.

A wake service and visitation will be conducted on Monday, January 25 at Greene Funeral South Chapel, 1503 South York Road, Gastonia NC 28052.  Visitation hours are 7 to 8:30 pm.   A celebration Mass of her life will occur at Queen of the Apostles Catholic Church, 503 North Main Street, Belmont NC 28012 on Tuesday, January 26 at 10 am.  Private inurnment will be at Gastonia Memorial Park.

Condolences may be offered to the Cowell family at www.greenefuneral.com. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Queen of Apostles Building Fund, Queen of the Apostles Catholic Church, 503 North Main Street, Belmont NC 28012, www.queenoftheapostles.org