Cowan, Cynthia Elizabeth Cates

Chemist, Teacher, And Volunteer

  • Tuesday, September 17, 2024
Cynthia Elizabeth Cates Cowan
Cynthia Elizabeth Cates Cowan
Cynthia Elizabeth Cates Cowan passed away peacefully at home while under the care of Hospice of Chattanooga.

Cynthia was born on May 3, 1947, to William Paul Cates and Mary Pearl (Hicks) Cates. She was raised in Memphis, and graduated from East High School before attending the University of Chattanooga (which later became University of Tennessee Chattanooga). After graduating with a major in chemistry, she went to work for DuPont as a laboratory chemist. After a few years she decided to go back to college and get a degree in education, and began teaching the gifted students, first in Dade County, and later in Hamilton County. At age 62 she retired and started volunteering for the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum as a conductor on the trains which she loved very much. Finally due to health concerns, she had to quit the most loved job of her life.

She was a longtime member of Hixson United Methodist Church and the Cornerstone Sunday School Class.

She is survived by her husband of 46 years, Lynn Cowan and three children, Benjamin (Amelia) Cowan, Mary (Jared) Lomax and Seth (Erin) Cowan and eight grandchildren. She is also survived by her stepson, Jason Cowan.

A special thank you to Hospice of Chattanooga and especially Ashley and Christy for all their care.

There will be no public visitation at the funeral home.

A graveside service and interment will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 23, at the Chattanooga National Cemetery with Reverend Chuck Starks of Hixson United Methodist Church officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum or your favorite charity.

Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com.

Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, Tn. 37343.

Obituaries
Patricia Kay “Patty” Ledbetter
Patricia Kay “Patty” Ledbetter
  • 7/14/2025

Patricia Kay “Patty” Ledbetter of Harison, Tennessee, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, July 13, 2025. She was born in Yankton, South Dakota, to the late Richard and Dorothy Gross on June ... more

Sarah Gavlenski
Sarah Gavlenski
  • 7/13/2025

Sarah Gavlenski, left us far too soon on Thursday June 26, 2025, at the age of 40. She was preceded in death by her father, James H. Gavlenski. She is survived by her mother Jamie ... more

Donald R. Hall
Donald R. Hall
  • 7/13/2025

Donald R. Hall, 71, affectionately known as “Trash” to his Tennessee family and “Zobe” to those who loved him in Alabama, passed away on Saturday, July 12, 2025, surrounded by those who cherished ... more