Betty Jane Sarratt Cowan

July 28, 2022

Charlotte- Betty Jane Sarratt Cowan, beloved wife of the late Robert LeRoy (Pete) Cowan, Jr. died on Thursday, July 28, 2022, at Aldersgate Retirement Community, where she had lived happily for 19 years.

Betty Jane was born on June 5, 1925, at St. Peters Hospital,Charlotte, N.C.  She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Reed Sarratt. She graduated from Women’s College (UNC-G) and was elected Everlasting President of her Class of 1946, a role that she relished and excelled in for 76 years.

After college graduation she met Pete while working in Atlanta and they soon married and moved to Florida, where they raised their family. After their nest emptied, they retired to Seneca, SC and later to Charlotte.

After a career teaching art in Florida public elementary schools, Betty Jane enjoyed playing bridge, smocking, painting and keeping up with family and friends, never forgetting a birthday. She was a devoted Presbyterian, having served as an officer and faithful member of her various churches.

Betty Jane was a people person. She had the gift of hospitality and enjoyed meeting new people and making them feel welcome. Wherever she lived, from NC to Florida and back, she collected lifelong friends with whom she stayed in touch and cherished.

Her life was defined by her loving care for others and for being their best cheerleader. Nowhere is this more apparent than the love she gave as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. We will all miss her dearly.

Mrs. Cowan is survived by her four children and their spouses, Jane Holding (Graham), Charlotte, NC, Bob Cowan (Valerie), Eatonton, GA, Tom Cowan (Patty), Palm Coast, FL, and Betsy Joyner (Matt) Charlotte, NC, 11grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren, and many beloved nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

A memorial service to celebrate her life will be 2:00 pm Friday, August 5, 2022 in the Aldersgate Chapel in the Ray Hall Community Center Fellowship Hall, 3800 Shamrock Drive, Charlotte NC 28215 with visitation afterwards. Masks requested.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any donations in Betty Jane’s memory be made to: The Aldersgate Guardian Angel Fund, 3800 Shamrock Drive, Charlotte, NC 28215.

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Comments

  • Joanne Hooten

    Betty was a good neighbor and a sweet friend. Both in our 90’s, we
    kept in touch by internet and phone. I believe she is now with the Lord and I’m happy for her. My sympathy to all her family.

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  • Ruth Bernstein

    Betty Cowan, was my dear and unforgetable friend. We loved so many of the same things and each other. She had a spark and a sparkle she never lost. It was in her smile,
    her voice and her manner. Her voice had a certain lilt. If I was feeling blue and Betty Cowan called I immediately felt better. I loved her and will miss her.

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  • Clara Cobb

    We loved Betty and her way of making everyone feel welcomed to Aldersgate. She was a loving, kind and caring person. I was delighted to have lunch with her the day before she got very sick again. Jack and I will remember her always. When God made Betty He created one of a kind. Betty will be loved for ever lasting time.

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  • Kathryn Shirkey

    I moved across the hall from Betty August 1–4years ago. I will miss her so much. I loved sharing cookies with her, and whenever I see a green banana, I will buy one in memory of Betty. She made my adjustment to Aldersgate special . My thoughts and prayers are with the family—-she was so proud of them!

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