Ila W. Peggy Sowell

Ila W. Peggy Sowell passed away on August 5, 2008 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. She was born on August 20, 1934 in Florence, South Carolina.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Leon and Clydia Windham of Florence, South Carolina. She is survived by her husband, Dr. Mike Sowell; her aunt, Vera Buzard of Charleston, South Carolina; four nieces, Paula Williams and husband, Dan, Katie Woodfin and husband, Bruce, Lucy Granger and husband, Tyler, and Janet Ballard and husband, Chris, all of whom live in South Carolina.

Peggy was educated in the public schools of Lake City, South Carolina after which she attended the Greenville School of Nursing in Greenville, South Carolina becoming a registered nurse in 1958.

It was there that she met her husband, Mike who was an intern. They were married at Alamo Heights United Methodist Church in San Antonio on August 14, 1958 after Mike entered the U.S. Army Medical Corps. Thus began their exciting lives in the Army.

During his numerous assignments both in the states and in Europe, Peggy was at his side. She was the perfect "military wife" making a wonderful home for them wherever they found themselves. She was active in numerous military woman's clubs and was past president of both the Fort Sam Houston and Health Services Command Clubs.

She also worked at her profession in several hospitals. At one time she was licensed to practice nursing in five states, including Alaska. Upon Mike's retirement, they made their permanent home in San Antonio where she continued club work and was a past military president of the Military-Civilian Club. She was also a member of both the Petroleum Club and Club Giraud.

During their retirement, they enjoyed their hobbies of entertaining their many friends, traveling, and reading. Peggy and Mike were famous for their beautiful dinner parties and annual Christmas party. Peggy was a faithful and active member of Alamo Heights United Methodist Church where she was a chairman of the Communion Ministry of the church Altar Guild for many years. She was loved and admired by all who knew her.

Mike wishes to thank all the caregivers who attended Peggy during her illness. Your superb professional care, as well as your many personal kindnesses, were greatly appreciated. God Bless you.