Survestalean Gowans

Survestalean Lacey Gowans, affectionally known to family and friends as “Vess” was born on December 27, 1925, as an only child to Rhoda and McKinney Lacey in Oakwood, Texas. A vivacious child, she spent many Summers with her favorite Aunt, Charlotte Lacey working in her flower garden and visiting her grandfather’s general store.

She moved to Ft. Worth, Texas in 1941 to attend I.M. Terrell High School and after graduation in 1945, she attended nursing school to be a Licensed Vocational Nurse. She graduated in the first negro class of Ft. Worth Practical Nursing School Technical Institute in 1950. Upon graduation, she started her 40-year career at Harris Hospital. After retirement, she decided to rejoin the workforce as the house manager for the Mehlmann family who she adored. She retired from that role in 2019.

She married Elvin “Tad” Tatum and from that union, her only daughter Elaine Badger was born. And later in life she married R.D. Gowans until his death in 1997.

She joined Sweet Home Missionary Baptist Church under the pastoral care of the late Rev. Roy W. Bivens Sr. and continued her membership under the leadership of Pastor Dr. James C. Brown.

Vess transitioned from her Earthly home on June 24, 2021 in Fort Worth and leaves behind many to cherish her memory including her daughter Elaine Badger (Pastor Samuel Badger), granddaughter Ciji Townsend (Travis T. Townsend Jr.) and great-grandson Travis T. Townsend III and grandson, Elvin Miller. Her best sister-friend, Bobbie Hargrove. The Mehlmann family. Her longtime neighbor Janet Younger and other beloved neighbors. The team of caregivers that spent time with her later in life. And a host of church members, community organization friends and loved ones.