Husband To My
With Love
Each time I hear a bird chirping, I’ll believe that you’re singing to me! I’ll take time to smile and be thankful, for the joy that it will bring to me.
Each time I hear the sound of rain, Or feel the gentleness of the wind, My heart will flood with memories of you, My husband. My dearest friend. We met when I was only sixteen, and I’ve truly had a wonderful life! As you take your rest, I thank God above For the honor of being your wife. From the day we met, you proved How much You LOVED you some “Ella B”! Your love was just what I needed! God made you just for me! Willie, your spirit will be with me in everything that I do The beauty in even the simplest things Will always connect me to you.
Ella B. Cowans From Your Wife,
Family Tributes
I’ve gotten through the worst part. The sea of endless tears. I’ve managed to go on from there. To travel through the years.
Thanks for being our example Of how to love unconditionally Thanks for helping us strive toward What we wanted to do and be.
I’ve had my share of gladness, and watched my daughter & grandchild grow. But one thing has remained unchanged, and somehow, I hope you know...
We’ll be sure to continue your legacy, and keep the family safe! We’ll make sure that mom is cared for and the kids keep growing in the faith!
I’ve never forgotten the joys I shared with you. You’ll always be a part of me, of all I say and do. And though I’m truly grateful for everything we had, my heart forever echoes...
Because of the valuable lessons you taught Our foundation is solid and strong We honor you, Dad! You’re our hero! Through your boys, you’ll definitely live on!
I’ll really miss you, dad! ~ ~
We Love You!
Willie Ann
Junior & Dell ~
~
Daddy, This is so hard to take in but I’m feeling a little selfish because I still need you for advice and long drawn out conversation about the news, TV Shows, and movies we would sit and watch or just the not saying anything at times. I’m really going to miss all the funnies and the inside jokes along with all the hugs, kisses, and the do you have to leave? sit on down a little while longer moments. Those are all the things I wish I still had and oh what I would love to hear right now is “Hey Kesa!” .and see your big smile saying “How you doing today guh” just one more time. I’m glad that I can say that I know the Lord and I am thankful for all the memories, laughs, lectures, and teachings on God, life, and family. I love you and thanks for all you’ve done for my family and I. It was truly the best 30 years of my life. Love your daughter-in-law, aka “Kesa” (lol)
Kisha
It took a world of sorrow, to realize you’d gone, But all the love you left behind, will help us carry on. The saddest day of all our lives was when we had to part, but our Grandad is one in a million and will forever live in our hearts. And on this day, we will dry our tears and celebrate the happiness you brought us throughout the years. Love,
Your Grandchildren
Life Reflections
Elder Willie Cowans, Sr. was born to Roosevelt Cowans, Sr., and Betty Featherstone Cowans on January 7, 1947.
He was baptized on July 29, 1984, and united with the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith under the leadership of Elder I. G. Jones. He accepted the call to deliver God’s word and became a minister on October 10, 2002. Ministry was not just something that he did at church. He offered spiritual guidance to his family, co-workers, and anyone else who needed encouragement or wanted to be saved. On January 14, 1981, he married Ella B. Floyd. Together, they built a life of love and service that lasted for forty glorious years. As a loving couple, they worshipped together, traveled together, raised an amazing family, and provided for others in the time of need as servants of Christ. Elder Cowans was a family man who loved spending time with his grandchildren. In his personal time, he loved wrestling, western movies, and cars – especially Mustangs! He worked as a Heavy Equipment Operator for B&M, Inc. for over forty years, and he served as a spiritual leader and father figure to many throughout his life and ministry. He will always be remembered for his smile, his laugh, the advice that he shared, and for the way he would encourage others to “Give it to God” at the end of nearly every conversation! Elder Cowans went home to be with the Lord on Friday, May 21, 2021. He was preceded in death by his parents, Roosevelt & Betty Cowans; three sisters: Feenie Cowans, Rilla Cowans, and Lettie Jones; and three brothers: Charlie Cowans, Cleo Cowans, Sr., and Elies Cowans, Sr. To cherish his memory, he leaves his faithful, loving, and supportive wife, Ella B. Floyd Cowans; one daughter, Willie Ann Marr; two sons: Willie (Kisha) Cowans Jr. and Jermeal Cowans; one sister, Susan (Robert) Marr; two brothers: Roosevelt (Mildred) Cowans, Jr. & Porter (Annie L.) Cowans; eight grandchildren: Toni, Kaschunn, Kanosha, KaDaisha, Kajayai, Willie, Kayla and Jacob; two great-grandchildren: Markayle & Kaisen; two sisters-in-law: Alnora Manning and Maylewis Cathy; five brothers-in-law: Curtis (Angelina) Floyd, Alfred (Wanda) Blackmon, Tony (Regina) Floyd, Wilbert (Joann) Pikens, Cornelius (Katrina) Jones; four Godchildren: Erin (Jeff) Brownlee, Keatric Dunmars, Kareem Young & Chamaya Brownlee; a dear friend and family caregiver, Somer Gunn, and a host of other relatives, neighbors, church members and friends who will celebrate his legacy forever.
Celebration of Life z
Evangelist Cynthia Houston, Officiant Procession. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .The Family of Elder Willie Cowans, Sr. Scripture Reading (Old & New Testament). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Evangelist Annie Thomas Prayer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deacon Henry King Musical Selection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .The Elder Willie Cowans, Sr. Celebration Choir
Remembering Elder Cowans... Expressions by Family & Friends (Two Minutes, please) Musical Selections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Elder Willie Cowans, Sr. Celebration Choir Words of Comfort. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pastor Karen Todd New Direction Christian Church Acknowledgments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Evangelist Christine Thomas Musical Selection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .The Elder Willie Cowans, Sr. Celebration Choir The Eulogy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pastor Sarah Jones Recessional . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .The Family of Elder Willie Cowans, Sr. “1Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” (John 14:1-3, KJV)
Acknowledgment Our thanks are many, though words are few For the thoughtfulness of friends like you. For all of the kindness you have shared, and the loving expressions which show you cared. Today and always, may God above Enfold you in His arms of Love. The family of Elder Willie Cowans, Sr. would like to express our sincere gratitude for the many words of comfort, selfless acts of kindness, and continued prayers that have been extended to us during this time. Your love and support have warmed our heavy hearts, and we pray that the Lord will continue to shower you with blessings.
Active Pallbearers Chester Freeman Kenneth Ezell
Keatric Dunmars Johnnie Thomas
Cornelius Jones Derrick Cowans
Honorary Pallbearers Willie Cowans, Jr. Lucius Dunmars Alfred Blackmon
Jermeal Cowans Alonso Seymour Tony Floyd
Willie Cowans III Curtis Floyd
Interment Memphis Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens 3700 N. Germantown Parkway s Bartlett, TN 38133
Arrangements Entrusted To R. Bernard Funeral Services 2764 Lamar Avenue s Memphis, TN 38114 s (901) 440-0100 Program Design by Precious Memories Graphics & More, (901) 257-9124.