Pearly Joyce (Koch) Sowell

Pearly Joyce (Koch) Sowell, age 100, passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by friends and family, on September 10, 2026. She was a cherished local legend, a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and a true force of nature.

Pearly was born June 18, 1926, in New Braunfels, TX, and graduated from New Braunfels High School in 1944. She married Charlie Smith in 1943 and soon after began an adventurous life as a military wife and new mother to four children. These adventures took her across the world, with assignments including Alaska and Guam. Eventually, the family returned to New Braunfels, where Pearly worked in many roles, including choir director, piano teacher, church organist, Distribution Manager of the San Antonio Express & News, and real estate agent. In 1981, she and her youngest son David co-founded the German band Oma and the Oompahs. As the band’s beloved namesake, Oma would continue to share her love of German music across Texas for over 40 years. During that time, she also performed with the New Braunfels Village Brass Band, the Comal Community Band, and the Seven Dutchmen Orchestra. Each fall, Pearly enjoyed playing at Wurstfest, church Octoberfest services, and for local elementary schools.

Pearly was a woman of many talents and passions. She composed original music, played several instruments, penned many short stories, and was a talented cook and baker. She loved to travel, enjoying several worldwide adventures with her second husband, John, and later with many other family members.

Pearly is preceded in death by her parents and siblings, her husband Charlie, her beloved son Mark, and her husband John.

She is survived by her daughter Carol Pierce-Davis (Steve) of Austin, TX, and her sons Gary Smith of New Braunfels, TX; and David Smith (Suzanne) of New Braunfels, TX.

She was the cherished Oma to many grandchildren: Scott Dasch (Melissa), Zachary Pierce (Erica), Heather Benton (Scott), Janera Smith, Chase Smith (Jenny), Sam Smith, Alyssa Absher (Judd), and Chelsea Meyer (Travis).

Pearly treasured time spent with her great-grandchildren: Justin, Joshua, Jessica, Jacob, Lyla Pearl, Dean, Nola, Izzie, James, Smith, and Owen.

Pearly also leaves behind her beloved stepdaughter Cary Lynn Sowell, and many other family and friends, especially Chris & Ken Stroud, Sandy & Woody Simpson, Candace & Jimmy Scheibe and their daughters Yvonne and Rachelle; and her priceless caregivers, Dora Ruiz and Ophelia Godinez.

Public Visitation for Pearly will be held on Wednesday, September 16, from 5-8pm, at Zoeller Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, September 17, at 11 am, at New Braunfels Church of Christ.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the NB Church of Christ Caring and Sharing Fund.