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Coty Gowen Obituary
This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
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Memories and Condolences
for Coty Gowen
Sponsored by Jerry Gowen.
June 20, 2018
Miss you bud... Its been 8 whole years now and it still feels like yesterday that I got the news. Its weird going on without you, I know you would have done big things. You were always smiling even in the darkest times, and still managed to put everyone before yourself.
RIP Brother
nicole purvis
July 26, 2012
I Miss you do much Coty.. :(
amber
May 15, 2012
I miss you.
GRANNY
March 6, 2012
COTY I MISS U SO MUCH ,SEAMS LIKE I SEE U EVERY WERE I SEE A BOY ON THE STREET FROM FAR AWAY HE LOOKS LIKE U ,THEN AS I GET CLOSE TO HIM ITS NOT U AND MY HEART BRAKES AGAIN I LOVE U SO MUCH.
Joseph Gowen
March 5, 2012
To Coty,
I love and miss you very much
Your little cousin,
Joseph Gowen
lorin mayhew
June 6, 2011
i miss my little brother so bad .. he was a good boy and good man he had a heart of old and made me so prond to call hime my brother i love u my lil cokkie 4ever and ever!
pat hazelwood
June 1, 2011
Sure do miss that BIG SMILE
Mary Newcomb
May 30, 2011
It's been a year, but the hurt and loss is still with us. Coty was such a special person, and loving and giving even as a child. His smile could warm the hardest heart. He is smiling for God now, but we remember him with love a year later. Rest high on that mountain and know you are remembered.
Brittany Edwards
June 27, 2010
I have known Coty for a while now my boyfriend David and I loved talking to him because we knew that he would make us laugh. I enjoyed seeing him in school and out of school because I looked forward to seeing his big smile and I knew he was going to joke with me. Losing him was very hard and I can't imagine what his family is going through. I will miss him very much and he will ALWAYS be in my heart. I am very sorry for your loss may God be with you all. COTY REST IN PEACE!
Aunt Linda Durham
June 26, 2010
Vicki, Gary & Family,
I am so sorry for the loss of your son Coty. I only met Coty once at his uncles wedding, but he brought a smile to my face as well as I'm told I brought one to his. Vicki, you didn't lose your son, you gained AN ANGEL, one that will be with you forever. He will truely be missed by all that knew him. Love you All.
Aunt Wilma Heflin
June 24, 2010
Vicki, Gary, and Family, I can't even imagine what you are all going through. I just want you to know my heart is with you as you go through this sorrow. I didn't know Coty, had only met him a few times, but knew he was the light of your life. I hope I never have to go through any thing like that, you handled it well. I just loved watching the video at the veiwing it let me know what I missed out on by not knowing him well.Love to you all.
Doris Edwards
June 24, 2010
I had the privilege to "partially" grow up with coty and a few of his siblings. Coty was always so adventerous and had such a gentle character about him. Very Giving and Caring and ALWAYS wanting the most out of whatever it was at the time he wanted. May your family find rest with prayers and may coty live through you all. Rest Internal Peace Coty--I know GOD has you now and forever.
Alex and Vera Lee Toth
June 24, 2010
We can only imagine the pain your family is going through. May you all find comfort in the arms of Jesus and one another.
Jim and Willie Pugh
June 24, 2010
Jerry and Stacy, Vickie and Gary and all the children,
We will miss Coty but we will never forget him. Our hearts are broken but we live in the faith that we will see him again when we are called to Glory. Having lost a son, we know in part what you are going through, but to lose one so young is unimaginable. Be sure to tell each other you love them each and every day. We love all of you.
Nannie and Papa
Jim and Willie Pugh
Mechanicsville, VA. 23111
Shelli Hazelwood
June 23, 2010
We are sorry for your loss. May you find rest through prayer and comfort through family and friends. Know that our family will keep you in our prayers. Much love,
Jeff, Shelli, Taylor and Mac Hazelwood
June 23, 2010
Our deepest sympathies go to Coty's families. May God be with all of you in your greatest time of need. Sandy and Eldridge Willis
Diana Ralls
June 23, 2010
My deepest heartfelt sympathies to the families of Coty Gowen. Many branches of a family tree were affected by the passing of such a sweet person. I am thankful that I got to enjoy seeing Coty at Alexis' birthday party. I know that my Granddaughter loved her Uncle Coty.
Keep strong for each other. It will be extremely hard and may even be harder now that you have laid him to rest. Lean on each other and share your memories of Coty. He lives on in each of the memories that you have of him.
He is now a beautiful angel in heaven and will be waiting at heaven's gate for everyone he knows.
Vicki, and Coty's other parents I cannot begin to imagine what you are going through. The loss of a child has to be the hardest thing a mother/parent could endure. Know that you have a strong support group with many people who are here to help you.
Lorin, Michael, and Coty's other siblings it is a very dificult time for each of you and know that Coty would want you to lean on each other and other "family" members.
Coty has an infectious smile which will live forever in the memories of all of us blessed to have met him.
Billie Hockaday
June 22, 2010
Mike and Lauren my thoughts and prayers are with you, I am always near if you ever need me saying I am sorry I
know from experience does not help now and your memories will carry you thru
just remember your times together and
in time you will be able to laugh and
talk and share your memories with everyone. Love you both Nanny Hockaday
June 22, 2010
I used to talk with Coty alot on Facebook. He used to try to make everyone laugh, and oh man he could. He always encouraged me to follow my dreams. He was so funny in Middle school and always wanted to hangout in High school. He will be forever missed. I know he's making the angels laugh right now. He has such a wonderful spirit. His family is in my prayers.
Becky Darr
June 22, 2010
Coty was an amazing guy. He was so sweet and he was smart.I cant believe he is gone, but i guess he is in a better place i talked to Coty ever now and then.but he was truly an awesome kid.
Debi Mitchell
June 22, 2010
Jerry, both you and Stacy, Amanda and Taylor and the rest of your family will be in my thoughts and prayers in this time of deep sorrow and grief. What can someone say to friends that have lost a child. No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you all as you grieve. May the love of family and friends carry you through your grief. My heart aches for everyone in your family. I love you all so very much.
Bette Nelson
June 22, 2010
Gary & Vicki:
I am deeply sadden over theloss of Coty. On Friday, he did graduate. He graduated from a world that is troubled to an eternal home that is perfect, beautiful and embraced by his Lord. What a great young man you have raised. I had the pleasure of meeting him at a cook-out last summer. His smile was infectious. his kindness was real. He had love for others and his humor was uplifting. All of our hearts are broken and sad. I know God will comfort you and get you through this horrible time. His memory will live in the hearts of friends and family forever. Love to all.
Kathlin Longest
June 22, 2010
All of my prayers are for Cody's Family and Friends. We had gym together in 10th grade and ate lunch together. He was a great kid and had the BEST smile. It could just light up a room in a heartbeat. He was so sweet and considerate of everyone. He always knew how to make everyone laugh and cheer them up. I also had class with him last year and saw him everyday. He sat right behind me. He was just the same. I know everyone is so proud of him for graduating and he walked across that stage proudly along side his brother on Saturday night. He will be truly and greatly missed by all...
Bryant Family
June 22, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We didn't know Coty , but have lived in Montpelier for almost 25 years.We have a son named Cody and I cried when I heard this news. My heart aches for your family and the terrible loss of a young man with so much potential. God bless you all .
Sandy Jones
June 21, 2010
My heart aches for everyone in your family. What can someone say to friends that have lost a child. Jerry, both you and Stacy, Amanda and Taylor and the rest of your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. I love you all so very much.
Elizabeth Hlavinka
June 21, 2010
I met Coty when he and his dad lived across the street from my family in Hanover, I remember my sister and I playing with him when he was a toddler, I was about 6. Although I don't know his family well I knew his dad because he was a neighbor, but my thoughts and prayers go out to each of Coty's family and friends as they deal with their loss.
Thomas and Tammy Tanner
June 21, 2010
Our prayers go out to Coty's family in this time of deep sorrow and grief. I remember playing with Coty as a baby and toddler during the summers when his dad lived across the street from us. You are all in our hearts and prayers.
Wendy Scott Family
June 21, 2010
Be kind to each other as you weather this terrible tragedy. Our love and prayers are with you all.
June 21, 2010
Mike and Family: We were so very sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts and prayers of many are with you all at this time of sorrow.
ED'S MARINE
Sierra Puffenbarger
June 21, 2010
I didn't know Coty very well, but we always talked at the end of our history class and said hi to each other as we passed through the halls. Coty was a great friend and I will always remember him as fun loving, goofy, and crazy. I will miss him crazy.
Molly Purcell
June 21, 2010
To Willie and Jim my heart goes out to you and your family may Coty rest in peace!
Love Molly.
June 21, 2010
I pray that God grant Coty's friends and family peace and comfort during this time of unimaginable grief. Please know you can turn to God with anything- including your hurt, anger, and anguish. He can take it.
June 21, 2010
No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you all as you grieve.May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Marie my heart goes out to you and your family at this time. I will keep you all in my prayers
Love you
Paula Mihm , Baltimore, Md.
joanna bell
June 21, 2010
gary ,my prayers are with you and the family .
PATRICIA FREEMAN
June 21, 2010
ALL MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU. PATRICIA FREEMAN
David Carson
June 21, 2010
No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.
Jennifer Durose
June 21, 2010
I am so sorry for your loss. I didn't know Coty, but I know something about what you are going though.
Marie, Barbara, Kendall- Let me know if there is anything I can do to help.
CAROLYN HARRIS
June 21, 2010
VICKIE I DIDNT KNOW U WELL BUT I REALLY KNEW COTY & HIS GRANDMOTHER [MARIE] I HAD A GRANDSON THAT GRADUATED THIS YEAR & MY HEART GOES OUT TO U & THE FAMILY. THE LAST DAY OF SCHOOL I WAS SITTING IN CAFTERIA HAVING BREAKFAST & CODY WALKED BY & TOLD US"I AM OUT OF HERE!! I MADE IT" I WAS SO HAPPY 4 HIM. HE HAD THE CUTIES SMILE ON HIS FACE. I LOVE ALL KIDS SO IT JUST BROKE MY HEART TO HEAR ABOUT HIS DEATH. THE GOOD LORD NEEDED HIM IN HEAVEN I NO, BUT HE WAS SO YOUNG. "THE GOOD DIE YOUNG". SEE U THERE CODY!!!!
A Parent
June 21, 2010
I am so sorry to hear of your loss and I pray that GOD will give you all comfort during this difficult time. Please know the whole community is praying for the family and our heart aches with yours.
Lisa Hogue
June 21, 2010
Our prayers are with you during this most difficult time. To lose someone so young is such a tragedy. May Coty rest in peace.
Kristin Daniels
June 20, 2010
My daughter is going to be a senior this coming year at PH, and didn't know Coty personally. But that really didn't matter- it just hurt our whole family's hearts to know what you were going through, and we cried with you. May God comfort you in the days ahead, and help you to hold him close to you in yours hearts, where he will live on until you see him again.
Laura Hobson
June 20, 2010
I didn't know Coty, but learned of him and his death at the Lee Davis High School Graduation. My heart goes out to your family.
Kimberly Wilkins
June 20, 2010
vicky,
i just wanted to let you know coty was the most amazing person i had ever met in my life. he was like a brother to me and i can't believe he is gone it all feels like a dream that we are all goin to wake up from and he will be right there with all of us with his big smile.and im sorry for your loss.
Caring Parent
June 20, 2010
This tragedy is painful and many young ones go too soon. All his friends and fellow classmates are wondering what if...May The good lord comfort all those who are grieving and remind them they were blessed to have known him. Honor him and celebrate his life. Cherish the time you have today and everyday.
Virginia McVay
June 20, 2010
to cotys family and his gf,
im so sorry bout the loss of coty. he was a great friend and a sweet guy... he was always cheerful and happy.. i hope everything possibly gets better... from what i know he wwas amazing to leanna and she should be proud to have a guy life him.. its a tragic loss for alot of people... i love coty like a big brother..
Paul E. Thurston
June 20, 2010
Eternal rest give to him, O Lord; and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the Mercy of God, Rest in peace. Amen.
kimberly wilkins
June 20, 2010
vicky, i just wanted to say that im sorry for your lose. i loved coty like he was my own brother. my mom knows you cuz she ues to be your boss at fastmart. i cant believe that he is gone. i had talked to him just hours before the accident.
June 20, 2010
To the Gowen family from Thomas and Cheryl Hancock we have you in our thoughts and prayers. We send our condolences.
Glenda Wax
June 20, 2010
Heartfelt sympathy and compassion to all of his friends and family. Please seek comfort from each other and help each other through this difficult time. I pray your broken hearts will heal eventually and you will be able to look back at all the beautiful memories that even a tragedy like this can't erase. God Bless each and every one of you.
Darlene Mayhew-Perryman
June 20, 2010
Coty...I remember you always...you had a heart like gold and the most wonderful smile. I love you and always thought of you as my nephew. Your mom and I would sit for hours just listening to you and stephens heartbeats while we were still carrying you both. I would put you and Stephen down for naps in the same crib. I watched you take your first steps. I watched you grow into a handsome and polite young man. We love you!!
pat hazelwood
June 20, 2010
you touched so many in your short life time with that smile nobody will ever forget,love you coty always....xoxo
Lana Gentry
June 20, 2010
My heart goes out to you and your family at what must seem like an unbearable time. Love to you all.
Ann Hicks
June 20, 2010
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with each and every one of Coty's family members and friends. This is a terrible tragedy, one that I wish no one had to endure. May you all find peace and comfort in each other and our Heavenly Father. Ann and Bart Hicks
mary newcomb
June 20, 2010
although i only knew Coty as a little boy, i know he brought happpiness and pride to his parents and siblings and grandparents. It's hard to accept when one so young is taken so tragically, but trust in god to get you through. Stick together and lean on each other and you will get through it. Know you raised an exceptional young man and he is something to be proud of.
with my deepest sympathy and prayers to you all from both elizabeth and myself.
June 20, 2010
Stacy,Jerry,Taylor,Amanda and Families.
It is with our deepest sympathies that we have lost this very young man and my heart goes out to you all.I know words aren't the comfort you need now, But..God does have what we all need and in time he will heal our broken hearts. May Cody rest in the arms of the Lord and may he look over us all during this sad time. God Bless...
Kathy,Laurie,Brandon,Ryan (Wood-Olmedo)
GRANNY WILLIAMSON
June 20, 2010
MY CANDLR WILL BURN FOR YOU MY DARLING GRANDSON ALWAYS IN MY HEART
June 20, 2010
To the Gowen Family, as the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. Your tragic loss has touched the hearts of so many parents in Hanover County. Coty's seat may have looked empty yesterday, but he was there with wings as God handed him his diploma and congratulated him on a job well done. We will never forget Coty and as each new class from PHHS prepares for graduation, we will all hug our children tighter, say I love you louder and longer and remind them just how precious life is and how one second can change everything for a lifetime...God Bless you all, and Coty, you will be deeply missed and your beautiful smile never forgotten...
Donna Terry
June 20, 2010
Dear Coty's family. My son, Joe Terry, knows Coty from PH and spoke of him here at home. Apparently, Coty was a character and always had something whimsical or off the cuff to say that made people after the fact go "what?". Joe says that's what the kids appreciated about him. His quick whit and flashing smile. We are all so very sorry for your loss and pray that you will be strong together and remember that we are still on this earth going why when Coty is saying, family, I'm fine. God bless you all.
Chris Young
June 20, 2010
To the family (with a special hello to Amanda)-my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Know that many are thinking of you with heavy hearts.
Troy Bashinski
June 20, 2010
Stacy & Family
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal. Though the ones we love may leave life as we know it, in our memory, the love we know will always carry on. Our greatest sympathy. You are all in our hearts at this most difficult time. Love Troy, Myra, TJ & Wyatt
Jodie Harrison
June 20, 2010
My husband Jerald Harrison & I send out our thoughts & prayers to the family of Coty Gowen. Both of us know several members of the Mayhew family, even though we didn't know Coty personally. May God be with you all through this difficult time of your lives & treasure all the wonderful memories you have with Coty. May each day become stronger for each of you. God bless you all & with Coty forever.
Kristy Jones
June 20, 2010
So sorry to hear about such a tragic loss of such a young person. In your time of grief I hope you find strength knowing that he is with god and you all will reunite one day. (I think it's a little erie that his myspace name was "Ghost")
Nora Lee Simmons
June 20, 2010
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Will
June 20, 2010
There is nothing in the world that hurts like this. Continue to pray for each other. Understand that everyone deals with grief and lose very differently. If you get angry at God it's OK. He's big enough to wait on your heart to come back together. Watch the teens that are around at this time - as tough as they are, this can shake them more than they may show. Be patient with the ones who say all the normal things we are taught to say when your heart is broken. There is nothing that anyone can say that makes any sense. Let people help you. It's good for you and them. Remember to eat and drink - silly, but you don't even think about it sometimes. Know that there are others out here around town that have been right where you are. We have survived and continued on. It's been 4 years for my family. Each day brings memories; many of them happy. Hold on to each other.
A 2010 Senior Parent
June 19, 2010
I have a daughter that just finished school at Open High School on Wed. and I just took her to VSU today because she will be going there in Aug. 2010, but we don't know the min., the hour, or the second. so I feel your pain, i hate it that you have to lay your child to rest. I don't ever want to have to do that!!! Wake up kids, it's all of us. It's not just the old, it's all of us. Just know that I share your pain, and it's nothing I or nobody else can say, because until you walk those shoe's you can't say or even begain to tell a person how to feel. Just know you will be in my prayers everyday.
keep your head up
it's going to be hard
but he's taken care of
A Parent of a 18 year old.
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