Jerry J. Cowgill

1936 - 2023

Jerry's life began on Nov. 1, 1936, in the boot heel of Missouri. Known as Jerry Jean by family and friends, she was the oldest of 10 children.

Coming out of the Great Depression, times were hard and she worked in the cotton fields alongside her parents, siblings, young husband, Thurl Craig, and his family. Each year they followed the crop harvests up to Michigan, where they bunked up in migrant housing and picked fruit.

After settling in Michigan to raise a family, Jerry also worked for several different places including Watervliet Paper Mill, DeGroot Inc., doing home health care, sold Avon, and was a beloved "kitchen lady" for Watervliet Public Schools for many years. She was married to her beloved Verlyn Cowgill for 43 years. Jerry Jean enjoyed crocheting, knitting, sewing and Facebook word games. She also loved being an active member of her church family at First Missionary Baptist Church of Coloma.

Above everything, Jerry loved her family whom she leaves behind to cherish her memory. Surviving her are two children: Larry Craig and Mary (José) De Urioste; daughter-in-law, Victoria Craig; daughter-in-law, Cheryl (Don) Craig; two stepchildren: Kathy (Robert) Hornbarger and Kevin Cowgill; 10 grandchildren: Donald (Erika) Craig II, Tighe Steven (Shawna) Craig, Melody Craig (Denin), Aaron Barton, Tosha Eldridge, Chris Hosmer, Justin Hosmer, Erin Cowgill, Savannah Craig and Ian Craig; numerous great-grandchildren; four brothers: Ron Miner, Kenny Foresythe, William "Bub" Forsythe, and Gary Foresythe; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Jerry Jean died unexpectedly on Wednesday, May 3, 2023.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Verlyn Cowgill; two sons: Donald Ray Craig and Steve Craig; stepson, Rick Cowgill; dad, Jimmy Miner, mom, Frances (Williamson) Foresythe; and five siblings: Jimmie Miner, Doris Miner, Patricia Miner, Martha Miner, and Larry Miner.

A memorial service will be at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, May 12 at First Missionary Baptist Church, 295 Washington St., Coloma, MI 49038. Immediately following the service, the church will provide a luncheon for all in attendance. Memorials may be made to the church.