Pawnease McCraw Gowan, age 80

Pawnease McCraw Gowan, age 80, of Forest City, passed away Monday, July 10, 2017.

Born December 22, 1936 in Rutherford County, she was the daughter to the late Arthur Columbus McCraw and Alice Henson McCraw. She worked for United Southern Industries for many years before her retirement and was a faithful member of Providence United Methodist Church. Pawnease served as a Sunday School Teacher and member of the church choir. She enjoyed music, reading and working on jig-saw puzzles. Family was most important to her and she loved each one dearly. She was a kind and caring lady who loved others.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of fifty-three years, Harland Edward Gowan; four brothers, Harrill, Paul, John and Hugh McCraw.

Those left to cherish her memory include three daughters, Rachel Clayton and husband Mike of Forest City, Sandra Walker and husband Sheldon of Forest City and Dwala Hardin and husband Eddie of Ellenboro; two sons, Rickey Gowan and wife Debbie of Forest City and Ronnie Gowan and wife Donna of Rutherfordton; one sister, Karen Hyder of Mill Spring and two brothers, Jimmie McCraw and Alma of Rutherfordton and Joe McCraw also of Rutherfordton. She is also survived by twelve grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews.

The funeral service was conducted at the Providence United Methodist Church with Reverend David Bradley officiating. Interment followed in Rutherford County Memorial Cemetery.

Memorial donations are respectfully requested to the Providence UMC Building Fund, 128 ESW Drive, Forest City, NC 28043.

Harrelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been entrusted with arrangements.