Jean McGowan

Jean Caldwell McGowan passed away peacefully with her family by her side on May 24th at the age of 90. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, sister and friend, Jean, known as GeGe, lived a life marked by love, humor, creativity and generosity of spirit. She had a rare gift of making everyone she encountered feel special.

Born April 26, 1935, in Springfield, MO, Jean spent her early years in Anchorage, Alaska and Panama before her family settled in Cape Girardeau, MO where she graduated from Central High, was a member of the National Honor Society and attended SEMO State College.

Who knew that when her family settled on Terrace Lane, Kitty Rueseler’s family next door would be pivotal in Jean’s life story. Kitty’s younger brother, Joe, came to visit which quickly lead to a double date and a night of dinner and dancing at the world famous Purple Crackle…well maybe not world famous, but certainly so in our family history. Destiny crackled right along with them. Joe got the girl, Jean got the guy and Joe’s sister, Kitty? She got bragging rights for life. What an auspicious beginning to a love story that would span seven decades. Joe and Jean would have celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on June 11th.

While Joe was stationed in Germany during the Korean War, they courted from afar, building a bond that would last a lifetime. Their marriage became a true love story and a foundation for their family and countless adventures. While the family was transferred from Georgia to Florida to Missouri to Oklahoma to Ohio and Pennsylvania as Joe moved up the corporate ladder, Jean embraced the philosophy of “growing where you’re planted”.

Together, Jean and Joe built a beautiful life, welcoming a daughter and two sons a daughter-in-law, six grandchildren, three grandchild spouses, two great grand daughters and seven dogs. Her greatest joy came from her family, and in her final days, all she wished for was Joe by her side, holding her hand as he did for the last 70 years.

Jean was a gifted needlework artist, the original DIY queen, and a most gracious hostess - her home always open, her table always beautifully set, and her meals remembered by all who were lucky enough to share them. She was also quite a sports fan cheering for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Atlanta Braves plus a devoted supporter of Joe’s passion for golf. Notably, she even made two “holes in one” herself.

A proud member of her church, dedicated to her PEO sisters and many dear friends, Jean touched many lives with her warmth and generosity. She was known for her fanciful jewelry, impeccable fashion and the sparkle she brought to every room. We know she is sparkling in heaven.

Above all, Jean’s heart belonged to the Lord and her family. She was deeply loved and will be dearly missed.

Jean is survived by her husband, Joseph McGowan Jr., daughter Laure Miller, sons Joseph Lamar McGowan III, (Cathy), John Arnold McGowan, grandchildren: Wesley Ford McGowan (Kelsey), Catherine Caldwell McGowan, James Joesph Miller (Ali)), Anna Jean Dolven (Gordie), Maddie Grace McGowan and Jack Joseph McGowan, great granddaughters Wynna Rose and Lilly Melissa McGowan and grand dogs: Posey, Quinn, Goose, Millie Mae, Buoy, Joey and Leo.

We are ever grateful to Brandon Wilde and the wonderful care she received by so many but especially, her special care friend Zelma, Carla ,Diane and Ashley.

In lieu of flowers if you wish to make a donation, please consider the fund supporting the people impacted by the recent terrorist attack on the Global Methodist Church in Nigeria.

You may go to: TrinityOnTheHill.net and click on “Give” then “Give on Line” then “Choose Fund type, ”select “In Honor”, in memo please put “Nigeria and Jean McGowan”