Edell Cowan, 86, of Lithonia, Georgia entered the sunset of life on Tuesday, March 8, 2011 at Dekalb Medical Center-Hillandale Campus, Lithonia, GA., following an extended illness. A native of Orange Mills, she was the daughter of Issac and Nora Elizabeth (Hall) Cowan. She was a graduate of Central Academy High School, Class of 1946. Edell was baptized at an early age at Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, Rev. L. M. Mathis, Pastor and sang in the church choir. She was a nanny for the Dr. C.C. (Helen) Long family. After graduating from beauty school in Jacksonville, she moved to Jersey City, NJ in 1952 and resided there until 2006. She attended Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Jersey City. She was a retired (1990) civil service worker employed by the U. S. Postal Service. She enjoyed music and watching game shows. Since 2006, Aunt Edell resided in the metro Atlanta area with her beloved caregiving niece, Barbara C. Martin.

She is preceded in eternal rest by her parents; brothers, Frank Cowan, Sr., and Samuel Cowan; and sister, Adell C. Polite.

To cherish her memories: devoted sister, Edna Cowan Williams, Palatka; beloved nieces and nephews, Christina James, Miami; Barbara C. Martin, Lithonia, GA; Joyce C. Sermon, Palatka; Ron Cowan, Stone Mountain, GA; Lanier Williams, Atlanta, GA; Sam Cowan, Jacksonville; and a host of other relatives.

Visitation of family and friends will be from 5-8 p.m. Friday at the Chapel of Serenity. Homegoing Celebration will be 11 a.m. Saturday, March 12, 2011 at Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, 322 North 10th Street, Palatka, Reverend Frederick T. Demps, pastor is the eulogist.

Interment will be in Oak Hill West Cemetery.