Mary Helen Cowan was born March 2, 1942 in Florence, SC to the late Willie Corbitt and Mary Corbitt Brockington. She departed this life surrounded by family on Friday, April 4, 2014 at Forsyth Medical Center.

She was a product of the public schools of Florence, SC, having graduated from Wilson Sr. High School.

Mrs. Cowan retired from both Lucia and Thomasville Furniture Industries. She was a member of Union Chapel Baptist Church and attended services until her health declined.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Kenneth Marcel Cowan; and her sister, Ruth Ellerbe.

She is survived by her only child, James (Demetrice) Cowan; step-children, Leondirss Williams, Kenneth Cowan, Jr., Fayenita (Malcolm) Calhoun, Chinita Cowan, and Calvin (Talea) Cowan; devoted sisters, Juanita Fleming and Evelyn Simmons both of the city, Dora (George) Nettles and Florine James of Florence, SC; a special cousin, Berthenia (Peggy) Robinson of Baltimore, MD; one devoted sister-in-law, Gwyn Henderson of Fayetteville, NC; two devoted nephews, Nolan and Vernon Corbitt; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 12noon Thursday, April 10, 2014 at Union Chapel Baptist Church with Rev. Konnie G. Robinson officiating. Interment will follow in Piedmont Memorial Gardens. The family visitation will be held from 11am until 12noon on Thursday at the Church.