Agnes Graham COWAN

Agnes Graham Bachman Cowan Agnes Bachman Cowan, 89, died peacefully on Nov. 26, 2009, at Bristol Nursing Home after a long illness. She was born May 1, 1920, in Rochester, Minn., to the late Dr. Harry Wilson Bachman Sr. and Agnes Graham Hanson of Bristol Tennessee. She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister; Frances Ann Bachman; and by her brothers, Harry Wilson Bachman Jr., and Joseph Sidney Bachman III. A 1942 graduate of Hollins College, Roanoke, Va., she was a chemist with DuPont Chemical in Richmond, Va., before her marriage. She was a lifelong resident of Bristol Tennessee serving on a multitude of civic boards and community clubs as a volunteer and social advocate of the highest degree. She was most involved in the Blue Stocking Club, serving as president in 1982, Three Arts Club, and the Bristol Crisis Center, where she received the Volunteer of the Year award in 1982. She will be well remembered for her sharp wit and her voice for those whose voices could not be heard. She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Dr. Bennett Young Cowan Sr.; and her four children, Dr. Bennett Y. Cowan Jr, and wife Anne, of Bristol Tennessee, Dr. J. Tadlock Cowan and wife Dr. Susan Thompson, of Alexandria, Va., Agnes (Aggie) G. Cowan and husband, Dr. Jos‚ F. Rodriguez, of Savannah, Ga., and Dr. Hanson B. Cowan, and wife Dr. Mary McElaney, of Brentwood, Tenn. Other survivors include her sister-in-law, Jane Bachman; nine grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; several nieces and nephews and numerous special friends. The family wishes to give special thanks to Nina Fleenor, Debbie Watkins, Debbie Ball and the entire staff of Bristol Nursing Home for their compassionate care during her prolonged illness, as well as the Wellmont Hospice staff. The family will receive visitors at Blevins Funeral and Cremation Services, 417 Lee Street, Bristol, VA, on Monday, Nov, 30th from 6-8 p.m. Final disposition of her remains will be private and a celebration of her life will be held by her family at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions may be made to the Wellmont Hospice House at 280 Steele's Rd. Bristol, TN 37620 or to the Children's Advocacy Center of Sullivan County, P.O. Box 867 Blountville, TN 37617. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family and viewed by visiting www.BlevinsCares.com. Blevins Funeral & Cremation Services, 417 Lee Street, Bristol, VA (276) 669-6141 is serving the family of Mrs. Cowan.