Willie James Cowan, SR.

Services will be 11:00am Thursday April 26, 2018 at Greater Ebenezer Baptist Church 1232 Hill Street, for Mr. Willie James Cowan Sr. 87.  On April 15, 2018, God knew that his servant was weak and tired.  His mission and purpose on earth was complete.  He will be remembered for his warm smile and love and dedication to his family. Mr. Cowan was born April 3, 1931 in Gadsden, Alabama a son of Dave Cowan and Willie Kelley. He received Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age.  He committed his life to Christ at The Greater Ebenezer Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. W. M. Nixon.  He remained a faithful member of Ebenezer under the leadership of Rev. Samuel Holmes until his health began to fail.  He served on the Usher Board, sang in the choir and was in charge of the Culinary Ministry.  Willie had been employed by Republic Steel as a steelworker, retiring after many years of service.  Not a man to sit idle, he went back to work as chef until his health would no longer allow him.  He loved to play cards, bingo and go fishing.  His love for cooking was most especially from his sweet potatoe  pies and rolls.  He thoroughly enjoyed life to the fullest.   He leaves to cherish his memories his ex-wife, Daisy Abron, daughters Mildred D. (Waymond) Cross  and Gloria J. Cowan of Youngstown, and Michelle R. (Jessie) Bush of Las Vegas, NV.; 13 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and good friends.  Willie will truly be missed by all who knew and loved him.  Besides his parents he was preceded in death by his sisters Francis “Blue” Cowan and Bonnie Ruth Williams and a daughter Phyllis Lorraine Cowan.  Friends may call one hour prior to the service 10-11:00am at the church.  Arrangements were entrusted to L. E. Black, Phillips and Holden Funeral Home.                      

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