Mary A Cowart

Mary Alice Helms Barker Cowart, age 98, of Tyler, Texas, passed away on Friday, March 13, 2026. Mary Alice was born on January 15, 1928, to Walter and Fannie Helms.She grew up around Taylor, Arkansas, but moved to Tyler, Texas, in the 1950s and lived in the area until the time of her passing. Mary Alice grew up in a large and close-knit family with eight siblings and many cousins, aunts, and uncles. She married Ara Lavelle Barker at a young age and enjoyed 50 years of marriage before Lavelle’s passing. Together they had two children, Bobbie Ann Barker Burks and Allan Barker. God later blessed her with a second marriage to Barney Cowart of Lindale. She spent 15 wonderful years with Barney, enjoying life together. Mary Alice loved those around her and was always ready to offer a helping hand. She loved the Lord and attended several churches through the years, including Beacon Baptist Church in Tyler, Park Heights Baptist Church in Tyler, and Central Baptist Church in Lindale.

Mary Alice enjoyed working in her garden, feeding and watching the birds, and painting. Mary Alice is survived by her sister, Virginia Sue Lutterman (Gerald) of Bossier City, Louisiana; her daughter, Bobbie Ann Burks (Dennie) of Tyler; stepsons James Cowart (Brenda), Jerry Cowart (Terri), and Bill Cowart (Pam); granddaughters Daisy Chisenhall of Galveston and Brandy Meadows (Walter) of Tyler; great-grandsons Joseph Chisenhall and Joshua Meadows; and great-granddaughter Anna Chisenhall. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands, Ara Lavelle Barker and Barney Cowart; her son, Allan Barker; and several beloved siblings. A celebration of her 98 wonderful years will be held on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at

Tyler Memorial Funeral Home in Tyler, Texas. Visitation will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., with a graveside service immediately following.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to Reunion Plaza staff and Hospice of East Texas for the care and kindness shown to Mary Alice. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Timberline Baptist Camp in Lindale, Texas, or to Hospice of East Texas. Mary Alice will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.