April Elaine Cowart

April Elaine Cowart, age 64, passed away unexpectedly on November 3, 2019. She was born in Reidsville on August 25, 1955, the second child of Vernon Jackson and Thelma Iddins Cowart. Born at Jelks Hospital in Reidsville, she lived in Tattnall County all of her life except for brief periods of hospitalization.

Her life was a triumph of love and determination over medical odds. She was born with severe Spina Bifida and Encephalitis and her grieving family was told that she would not survive the day. A fighter even then, evidencing the stubbornness of both of her bloodlines, she proved the doctors wrong.

Vernon and Thelma were told that she would not make it to one year of age. Again, she proved them wrong. Her parents were told that she would not live to the ages of three, twelve, twenty, thirty- but she did so, and with grace and dignity. After she reached the age thirty, the doctors gave up predicting her mortality. She eventually lived sixty four years, most of them happy and full and surrounded by those she loved.

Her parents devoted their lives to giving April the best life possible. She rewarded them and the rest of her family and community by being the best daughter, sister, aunt and friend possible. She spent extended stays at Warm Springs Institute for Rehabilitation and at various other hospitals across the state. Although these experiences must have been painful and lonely, she often spoke fondly of these times and shared only good memories.

She never let her medical condition define her possibilities. She was never bitter or cruel and always had a kind word to share with others. She loved deeply and was incredibly considerate. She found something to compliment about every single person she met.

She was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses and loved her congregation. She also loved her pet dogs, her handbags, shopping, and her family. She was skilled in the art of crochet, and delighted in sharing her gift with others. Most of all, she loved and was loved.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Vernon Jackson Cowart and Thelma Iddins Cowart, a sister, Amy Cowart, and a great multitude of aunts, uncles and cousins. She is survived by her older brother, DeWayne Cowart (Linda), her niece DuAnn Cowart Davis (Lee), her nephew Jeb Cowart (Gloria), great-nieces Cecilia Grace Davis and Marina Amelia Davis, great-nephews Mason Jackson Cowart, Ian Cowart, and Ronald Lee “Trip” Davis, III, her uncle Charlie Iddins (Joan) and aunt Clara Iddins Welch as well as a great many cousins and friends.

Memorial funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 pm Sunday, November 10, 2019 at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses with Speaker Floyd Mercer, Jr. officiating. The family will receive friends after the service.

Low Country Cremation and Burial is serving the Cowart family.