Elizabeth Cowan Barfield

Elizabeth Cowan Barfield, 93, of Birmingham passed away August 25. She was a kind and gentle lady who brightened the lives of all who knew her. Elizabeth was born January 25, 1921 in Birmingham, AL, the daughter of Elisha and Mary Ellen Ogburn. During her childhood she lived in Dallas, TX, Madison, WI, and Chicago, IL, in addition to Birmingham. Elizabeth married Laney Cowan, Jr. of Birmingham in 1942. After Mr. Cowan returned from service in World War II, they resided in Birmingham. Following Mr. Cowan's passing in 1964, Elizabeth went to work for AAA as a travel agent. During her career two decade career with AAA she traveled worldwide. After her retirement from AAA she did volunteer work for the American Heart Association, St. Vincent's Hospital Auxiliary, and Hoover New Horizons. She was a member of the Mountain Chapel United Methodist Church, and the Amity Sunday School Class. Elizabeth is survived by one son, Alan, of Birmingham, and daughter in law Sandra Cowan (Mrs. Laney Cowan III), of Birmingham. She was preceded in death by her husband, Laney Cowan, Jr., son Laney Cowan III, sisters Madolph Pritchett and Neillie Clardy, brothers Frank Ogburn, Robert Ogburn, and William Ogburn. During Elizabeth's 19 year battle with cancer her courage, determination, and overflowing love for family, friends, and life never faltered. Hers was a truly great and inspiring spirit. The family thanks the staff at St. Vincent's Hospital's Bruno Cancer Center for the excellent care she received over the years. A memorial service for Elizabeth will be held Sunday, September 7, at 3 PM, at Mountain Chapel United Methodist Church, 2541 Rocky Ridge Road, Birmingham, AL 35243, preceded by visitation at 2 PM. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Mountain Chapel United Methodist Church.