1941
2022
Helen McGowan, age 80, of Appleton, died Saturday, Jan. 8, 2022, at Arkansas Hospice River Valley Home in Russellville. She was born Feb. 2, 1941, at Old Hickory to John Mike and Sarah Etta Duvall Gray.
She was a faithful member of the Appleton Cumberland Presbyterian Church, where she helped with church music and Sunday School.
She was an accomplished seamstress who enjoyed making wedding dresses and clothing for other special occasions as well as much of the clothes for her family through the years. She also enjoyed sewing special projects for the Hector School District, where she worked as a lunch lady for many years.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by three brothers, Michael, Billy Ray and James Kenneth Gray; and one sister, Margetta Barrett.
She is survived by her husband of over 60 years, Harold McGowan; a daughter and son-in-law, Beverly Lynn and Stephen Brown of Clarksville; a son and daughter-in-law, Brian Keith and Shalene McGowan of Appleton; one sister, Vonda Roark of Russellville; seven grandchildren, Sean Brown, Sadra Brown Easterling, Caitlin McGowan Miller, Eric McGowan, Aaron McGowan, Bryson McGowan and Cody England; and four great-grandchildren.
There will be a private memorial service for the family at the Appleton Cumberland Presbyterian Church with burial in the Appleton Cemetery.
Arrangements are by Shinn Funeral Service of Russellville.
Memorials may be made to The Gideons International, P. O. Box 1604, Russellville, AR 72811.
Online guestbook and condolences available at www.shinnfuneral.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Shinn Funeral Service.
5 Entries
Helen loved God, her family, and her community. She worked tirelessly for each of these. I feel so blessed to have known her. She will be so missed in our church at Appleton where she served as an elder, song leader, and Sunday school teacher. I will miss her beautiful smile, encouraging words, and her coconut cream pie!
Pam Simpson
Friend
January 22, 2022
Our sympathy goes out to the family of Helen. She was a wonderful Christian lady, who always had a kind word. I worked with her at the Hector cafeteria for many years, she was a blessing to all who knew her. She will be missed, but we find comfort in knowing that she now rests in the arms of the Lord.
Lorna Bailey
Work
January 15, 2022
So sorry Beverly and Bryan for y´all´s loss. Helen was a beautiful sweet lady with a smile for everyone in this community. She will be missed by many
Carol Killins
Friend
January 11, 2022
With heartfelt pain at the loss of Helen. We loved her so much,she will be a tremendous loss for our community. So sorry for your loss
Sylvia Bush
Friend
January 11, 2022
Our condolences to the family, and we pray for God's comfort to hold you in his arms of compassion.
This is one lady that will be greatly missed by her family, church, community and all that knew her. She has been a huge part of our community for many years. Those are some big shots to fill.
Darwin Barnhouse
Friend
January 10, 2022
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