Mary Elizabeth McCown

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To most who knew and loved her, she was “Sister” a nickname lovingly given to her as a young girl by her brother Ed , and it suited her perfectly, for she spent her entire life pouring love into the people around her.

Born on March 22, 1929, in Madison, AL, to William and Annie Zirbel, Sister lived a life defined by unwavering faith, devoted service, and a generous spirit that touched everyone she met. A devout Christian and beloved member of Concord Baptist Church, she treasured her Women’s Sunday School class and approached her faith with a quiet, steadfast conviction that inspired her family and friends alike.

She was the devoted wife of the love of her life, Alfred, with whom she shared 72 years of marriage. Together, they built a home filled with warmth, laughter, and the kind of love that only deepens with time. She was a dedicated mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose greatest joy was her family.

For 35 years, she served the children of Johnson Elementary School through the Child Nutrition Program, where she became legendary for her homemade bread and cinnamon rolls — the kind that filled hallways with warmth just like her. Even in retirement, her love for people could not be contained. She found her way to Coffee Pot Grocery, where she spent many happy years doing what she did best: greeting people with a smile and making them feel genuinely welcome.

At home, she was the heart of every gathering. Sunday lunches at her table were a cherished tradition, and her family knew that no birthday would pass uncelebrated. She baked a birthday cake for each of her grandchildren every single year, a tradition she lovingly kept for 51 years. She delighted in friendly competition over games of Rook, Chicken Foot, Checkers, and Uno, and she never missed a chance to cheer on her beloved Alabama Crimson Tide or Atlanta Braves.

She is survived by her daughter: Joy Green (Ronny), Grandchildren: Heath McCown, Alisha Green, Mandi Youngblood, April Crater (John), Melodi Tyler (Nathan), Corey Hasting (Brittany), Stacey Hasting (Sandie), Great Grandchildren: Marli Jacob, Garret Green (Annie), Naomi Crater, Neeci Tyler, Joseph Crater, Shaeli Tyler, Isaiah Hasting, Kailee Turner, Maddix Youngblood, Garrison Turner, Isaac Hasting, and Zoey Hasting, also by her Sister-In-Law: Annette Zirbel.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Husband: Alfred McCown, Son: Billy McCown, Brothers: Ed Zirbel, and Sonny Zirbel, Sisters: Jean Powers, and Annie Ruth Dorning.

There will be a visitation Thursday, May 7th, 2026 from 11:00 until 12:45 at McConnell Memorial Chapel. A Celebration of Life service will be at 1:00 pm following the visitation in the chapel with Tim Anderson officiating. Burial will be in Limestone Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Hospice of Limestone County.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to the caregivers who lovingly tended to her, and offers a very special thank you to the extraordinary staff at Hospice of Limestone County for the compassionate care and comfort they provided.

A life well lived, a faith well kept, and a love that will echo through generations — she was, in every sense of the word, one of a kind.