Ethel Lee Cowans

Ms. Ethel Lee Cowans was born on January 8, 1974, to the late Ms. Ada Lee Cowans, in YazooCity, Mississippi. It was upon her birth, she became one of the few baby girls in our family,who were honored with the name of our family’s matriarch, her Grandmother, the late Mrs.Ethel Thomas Cowans.Though she was an only child, Ethel was never alone. She was surrounded by a multitude ofCousins. For many of us who grew up in the home with her or were very frequent visitors, webecame her first students. Yes, even then, she just had to be the Teacher.Ethel was a proud member of the Yazoo City High School Class of 1992. She loved herclassmates and they loved her. No matter what the activity or event they would have, Ethelwould be there to enjoy the festivities.Ethel’s passion and drive to become a professional of Early Childhood Education led her tothe gates of Tougaloo College. It was upon those hallowed grounds, where the moss hangslow, that she would meet and make lifelong friends. In 2004, she received not just one degree,from the Eagle Queen; but two degrees: an Associate in Early Childhood Education and aBachelor of Arts in Education. And, on that day in May 2004, one of the most precious momentsto witness was the pride and tears of joy on her Mother’ face. Because you see, Ethel, ourfamily’s miracle, had once again, taught us not to count her out…She and God got this…And,you, too can accomplish whatever goals you set for yourself. Just keeping smiling and keepgoing.A professional Educator by trade and a passionate Teacher by heart, Ethel loved teachingchildren. Many children received that basic life foundation of how to read, write and do math,under her skillful and patient hands. She is a former employee of Mississippi Action forProgress, Inc. (MAP) Head Start Center, Yazoo Community Action, Inc. Head Start, YazooIndustries, and Clancy’s Restaurant.Ethel was indeed, “DaLady”. A woman of great faith and strength. She loved her GreaterSonora M.B. Church family. She enjoyed singing in the choir; and when it was time for thechoir to march in, she would be right in step marching as well. Even when she may have notbeen feeling the best; she still would find her way to get to church and to the children who wereso eager to see Ms. Cowans. Children loved her method of teaching and were always so excitedto show Ms. Cowans how much they learned or improved in their hand writing, reading,education and behavior; especially, the many certificates and awards they received after beingtaught by her. Even through her health challenges, she could be found tutoring. In her home,she created a small corner classroom. Every child’s life she touched today is prepared fortomorrow’s future. We all can agree Ethel loved children and was absolutely passionate aboutteaching.Ethel was a fighter. Though health complications would remove her legs; it did not stop herfrom getting around and enjoying life. She was one to not murmur nor complain about any ofthe many life changes and challenges she endured. No matter what, she could always be foundwith a smile on her face and the drive to keep moving forward and make the best of it.On April 26, 2018, Ethel Lee Cowans transitioned from her earthly body to be present with theLord, where she not only got her angelic wings; but gained her new legs to dance and shoutall over Heaven with.Ethel is proceeded in death by her Mother, Ada Lee Cowans; her maternal grandparents: EthelThomas Cowans and Joseph Cowans; her Aunts: Jeanetta Cowans Dixon, Viola Gaines; andOnesti Moorehead; and her Uncles: Wille B., Randolph, and Henry Edward.Ethel’s life is celebrated by the many loved ones she leaves behind to cherish her memories.Aunts: Gladys May (Frank) Stokes, of Jackson, MS; and Evelyn Palmer; an Uncle; Walter(Patricia) Cowans; including Aunt-in-love, Mary Cowans, all of Yazoo City, MS. NumerousCousins, especially Shirley Woodberry, her best friend, LaToya Dorsey, and a dear friend,Sherwood Bryant also celebrate this amazing lady’s life.Life’s journey reminds us that there are: “Many trees that may not bear fruit, but, to giveshade”. Ethel’s fruit, indeed, was her shade. Under her shade tree, many children gathered tobe nurtured by her outpouring love. Though she had no child, she was a very loving and givingGodmother to many who loved her.Those who crossed life’s path and met Ethel, would quickly get to know for sure two thingsabout her. She had a giving spirt and was passionate about education. Even in her passing,she continued to do so by being an organ and tissue donor, for research education through theMississippi Organ Recovery Agency