Mildred Catherine McGowan
Mildred Catherine McGowan (née Layne), aged 99 years and 76 days, peacefully passed away on August 6, 2024 at 8:22 p.m. at the home of her daughter, Kathie.
Born on May 21, 1925, in Victoria, Tn., to Edward and Mattie Layne (née McCurry), Mildred was the baby of seven children and a cherished soul who graced this world with nearly a century of wisdom, humor, and compassion.
She was the beloved wife of Arthur "Ott" McGowan, who she now rejoins in the next life. Together they shared a beautiful life with one daughter, Mary Katherine "Kathie" Pretzel (née McGowan).
Mildred was always ready for a trip and traveled to 20 states. She was a great cook and enjoyed cooking for friends and family, especially when making her chicken, dumplings, and dressing on holidays. She was also a world-class quilter, avid reader, and consumer of news, who loved doing anything outdoors.
Mildred was preceded in death by her husband, Ott McGowan; her parents, John Edward "Edd" and Mattie Lee Layne; her siblings, Roy Harley Layne, Thelma Bell Billingsley (née Layne), Oscar Layne, Clara Edna Long (née Layne), Harold William Layne, and Hugh Layne; and her favorite niece, Frances Layne Steele, all of Marion County, Tn.
She leaves behind her daughter, Kathie Pretzel, very special friends Roy and Donna Dunn, and beloved fur babies, who will continue to honor her legacy by living with the same humor and grace she exemplified every day of her life.
A private celebration of her life will be held at Pine Grove Cemetery, Jasper, Tn., on Aug. 11, at 11 a.m., where friends and family will gather to pay their respects and share memories of a life well-lived.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Stop Soldier Suicide at https://stopsoldiersuicide.org/donate or For The Love of Alex at https://www.fortheloveofalex.org/, in honor of Mildred's wishes.
Her memory will forever be cherished, and her spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.