Nell Elizabeth Cowles

Born near Raeford NC, Nell was the youngest of the seven children of Atlas Henry Harris and Laura Lee Kinlaw Harris, all now deceased. Nell graduated from St. Pauls NC High School, and attended Greensboro and Campbell Colleges before seeking work in Norfolk VA during the Great Depression. Nell met her husband, Herbert DuPre Cowles, of Charlottesville, VA, in Norfolk where he began his Navy career. After their marriage in 1935, Nell and Herbert established pre- and post-World War II homes in the Craddock and Westhaven communities of Portsmouth VA. Herbert died in 1970. Nell remained active in Portsmouth neighborhood, school, garden club and church groups until moving to Fredericksburg.

Nell is survived by two sons, Herbert DuPre Cowles Jr. of Fredericksburg, James Alan Cowles of Garner NC, and three grandchildren, Lisa Meredith Cowles of San Francisco CA, Jeffrey Thomas Cowles and Alan Scott Cowles of Raleigh NC. Nell was supported throughout her life by many beloved nieces and nephews.

At Noon on Tuesday, May 8, 2012, Nell’s family will honor her request for a brief graveside service at the Olive Branch Cemetery, Clifford Street at City Park Avenue, Portsmouth VA 23707; Dr. Bruce Powers of the Westhaven Baptist Church will preside.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Nell’s honor may be made to the Westhaven Baptist Church, 4900 Caroline Avenue, Portsmouth, VA 23707.

Smith and Williams Funeral Home (Kempsville), 4889 Princess Anne Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23462, is handling local arrangements and will receive flowers and condolences for the family. Online condolences may be sent at www.mullinsthompsonfredericksburg.com