Joann Cowart

JoAnn Haws Cowart JoAnn Haws Cowart died on 29 September 2004 after a courageous six-year battle with ovarian cancer. She had turned 55 just four days earlier. Born JoAnn Haws on 25 September 1949, in Tacoma, Washington, she was the first child of Keith Clifton and Arletta Larsen Haws. She was beloved by younger siblings Debbie and Rick. JoAnn graduated from Wilson High School in 1967 and in 1971 graduated from Brigham Young University with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a minor in Science. While at BYU, she met James Edgar Cowart Jr. whom she married on 23 June 1971 in the Logan, Utah Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. JoAnn gave birth to their first child in 1972 and by 1984 they were the parents of six children, Joseph, Julie, Jared, Jeffrey, Jeremy and Jamie. They were the "8 Js" and JoAnn was a devoted and loving full-time mother. She mastered the art of homemaking and was proficient in sewing, knitting, crocheting, bread baking, canning and gardening. She was known for a house that was always clean and an immaculate yard with an abundance of flowers. JoAnn spent countless hours assisting her sons and others in the Boy Scouts of America. All of her five sons achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. As a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints she served in the Young Women's Program, in the Primary and in the Relief Society where she served as president three times. Most recently she was a Primary Sunday School teacher. As her children grew, she had the desire to continue to teach and nurture young children and so she opened Auntie Jo's Preschool in her home in 1988. Her love of children and education were well known among the many students and parents who knew and loved her. She was adored by her students and wherever she went you would often find her kneeling down to talk to children on their level. JoAnn was active and healthy. She was known for her energy and ability to work circles around just about anyone. It was often quipped that she had more energy on her sick days than most people have on their healthy days. She loved snow skiing, waterskiing, swimming, running and tennis. She loved to travel and did so often with her husband Jed. Hawaii was her favorite destination. Until she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 1998, JoAnn said she had never had a sick day in her life. JoAnn was a miracle cancer patient. After being diagnosed with stage 3c cancer she continued to beat the odds and surprise her doctors. She battled cancer on her terms and won herself, her family and friends six more years. JoAnn's positive attitude and faith in God were an inspiration to all who knew her. She strengthened others and even at her lowest moments, greeted others with the warmth of her smile and a genuine cheerfulness that exemplified her trust in God. She knew He would heal her if it was His plan, and trusted in His wisdom if he did not. While sick with cancer, she spent countless hours sewing quilts and blankets for each one of her ten grandchildren. She had decided that if she was to die, she wanted to leave a legacy of love to her grandchildren to remember her by. Now, each grandchild has at least one beautiful quilt made especially for him or her by "Mama Jo". She did all she could to fight to the end, and accomplished more in her six cancer-stricken years than many do in a lifetime. We will miss you JoAnn and know that you will be watching over us. We will try to keep up with your pace. JoAnn leaves behind husband Jed; parents Casey & Lettie Haws, siblings Debbie & Rick, children and spouses Joseph & Jessica, Julie & Chuck, Jared, Jeff & Jyl, Jeremy, Jamie; grandchildren Samuel, Austin, Benjamin, Ashley, Clara, Avery, Hannah, Madison, Elijah, Jaycie-Ellen, and two more due this year. A viewing will be held on Tuesday, October 5, 2004 from 5-8:30PM at Mt. View Funeral Home and from 10:00-11:30 AM prior to the service at the church. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, 6 October 2004 at Noon at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on 12th and Pearl, Tacoma. Arrangements by Mountain View Funeral Home. 253-584-0252. Please sign online guest book at www.mountainviewtacoma.com.