Pearl Cowan

Pearl Mae Cowan was born on December 22, 1929 in Rock Hill, South Carolina to Roscoe and Lucinda Duncan. She attended and graduated from York County, SC public schools. Soon after graduating, she moved to Washington, D.C. While residing and working in Washington, D.C., she met the love of her life, Emanuel Dunbar Cowan (aka “Howard,” as affectionately called by her).

Pearl and Emanuel marry in 1953, and several years later relocate to Capital Heights, Maryland. Once in Maryland, she begins working at Prince George’s County Hospital. While working at Prince George’s Hospital, she held several positions and retires as a Nurse’s Assistant in 1993. After retirement, she enjoyed shopping, gardening, cooking and baking, watching gospel television and westerns. Pearl was a member of Shiloh Baptist Church in NW, Washington, DC for almost 30 years. She served on the Usher Board and was board treasurer for several years.

In her early years, she loved cooking and baking from scratch, especially during holidays. Everyone loved her cooking. She made the best cakes and pies, especially sweet potato. Pearl was a beautiful person both inside and outside. She worked hard for her family and was not afraid of working double shifts to accomplish a goal. She was gentle in spirit and possessed a compassionate and tender heart. She loved laughter and peaceful atmosphere and surroundings.

Pearl leaves to cherish her memory: husband, Emanuel Cowan; children, Tyrone Cowan and Yolanda Cowan; grandchildren, Charlene Langon (Will), Anthony Terry (Kellie), and Jade Cowan; great grandchildren; Gerri Tilley, Horace “TJ” Anding III, Alicia Terry, Anthony Terry Jr., Aaron Terry; great, great grandchildren, Donavin Tilley, Layla Tilley, and Aubrey Tilley; sisters, Minnie Lee Cureton and Betty Rae Rhinehart; and a host of nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends. Pearl was preceded in her death by her loving daughter, Gwendolyn Terry; granddaughter, Tia Pyles; siblings, Roscoe Duncan, Jr., Howard Duncan, Barbara Jean Welch, and Linda Duncan.