Survestalean Gowans

Survestalean Lacey Gowans, affectionately known to family and friends as “Vess,” was born 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 Fort 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 Fort 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. Vess was always on the go and loved to travel. She was an accomplished seamstress who enjoyed making matching clothes for her daughter and granddaughter. When she wasn’t in her sewing room, she enjoyed time in her sunroom admiring her collection of houseplants as well as spending time in her garden. Being outside was her happy place and neighbors knew where and when they would see her with her infamous sun hat and gardening boots.

She accepted Christ at a young age and joined Sweet Home Missionary Baptist Church in the early 1970s 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. As a devout member she served in various areas of ministry, including the Usher Board, Mission 1, Pastor’s Aid and Food Committee. Vess was honored as the oldest church member in May 2016 and was known for her unwavering love of the Lord and her infectious smile.

Vess kept her family and friends on their toes with her feisty wit and charm. She loved performances at the Nancy Lee and Perry R. Bass Performance Hall and Jubilee Theater. One of her favorite treats was eating Church’s Chicken and ice cream with her grandson, Elvin.

She dedicated years of service to many community organizations including the Licensed Vocational Nurses Association of Texas, I.M. Terrell Alumni Association, Tarrant County Democratic Woman’s Club, Red Hat Society, May Pearl McDonald Court 176/Sisters of Heron, Easter Seals and as a food delivery volunteer for the Fort Worth Food Bank. For twenty years on Wednesdays, she enjoyed time at the Senior Network Community Enrichment Center playing bingo, exercising, and fellowshipping with friends.

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. She also cherished her best sister-friend, Bobbie Hargrove, the Mehlmann family, longtime neighbor Janet Younger, other beloved neighbors, her team of caregivers and a host of church members, community organization friends and loved ones.