Glenda Coweta Virden

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Glenda Coweta Virden, who left this earth at the age of 85. Coweta passed away on November 28, 2023, surrounded by the love of her family. Born on May 28, 1938, Coweta was a cherished wife, devoted mother, and beloved grandmother and great-grandmother. She was a beacon of strength and love, who earned a lasting place in the hearts of all who knew her.

Coweta was married to the love of her life, Louis (Lou) Guy Virden, for an incredible 67 years. They began dating when she was 13 and he was 15. Their dates consisted of sitting together during church services in a rural Oklahoma community where the church was the center of all activities. Her enduring commitment and love for her husband defined all aspects of her life. Coweta’s unwavering dedication to her family was evident to all in her role as a loving mother to her children, Rhonda, Nathan, Phyllis, and Carol. Her unlimited love and compassion further spread to her six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Coweta found joy in simple pleasures. In earlier years she and Lou spent hours bass fishing at Toledo Bend whenever they could get away for a day. They came home tired and tanned with an ice chest full of fish. Fish fries were an anticipated family event enjoyed by all. Coweta had a green thumb and her love for flowers created a yard full of color and beauty and butterflies and hummingbirds. It was the perfect spot for hundreds of family photos over the decades.

Coweta was a military wife who became the head of the household many, many times while her husband was overseas defending our country. While not knowing precisely where Lou was, yet knowing he was in danger, she kept life on track for her family. She was always there for her children, keeping the worry and the strain she was facing hidden behind smiles and normal routines. She never complained about the numerous moves and base assignments, although the four years at Minot AFB in North Dakota was not high on her list of favorites.

Coweta was the cherished sibling of two brothers and three sisters. Her close-knit family brought warmth and support to many others throughout the years. She will be remembered for her kindness and the love that radiated from her heart as well as the wisdom she shared with all who asked for her guidance. The family she leaves behind will find solace in the beautiful memories created over the years, and the legacy of her immeasurable love.

Coweta was preceded in death by her husband, Louis Guy Virden; son, Nathan Louis Virden; mother, Cora Higgins Wiles; father, Lonnie Wiles; brothers, Lonnie Wiles and Milton Wiles; and sisters, Wilma Wiles Anderson, JoAnn Wiles, and Dolores Wiles.

She is survived by her three daughters, Rhonda Virden Failey of Shreveport, LA, Phyllis Virden Perkins and husband Donnie of Adel, IA, and Carol Virden Reuschling and husband Rick of Sioux City, IA; six grandchildren, Heather Collins, Shannon Pitts and husband David, Amanda Reglin, Stephen Failey and fiancée Leslie Peck, Jessica Failey, and Candice Jo Freese; and seven great-grandchildren, Desirea and Gisele Pitts, Savannah Bordelon, Ava Collins, Rachel and Luke Reglin, and Sophia Grimm, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

The family expresses their love and gratitude to the devoted hospice and caregiving team, Marquita, Connie, and Amanda, who provided comfort and care not just for Coweta, but also for her family. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Coweta’s cherished Bellaire Baptist Church family for their unwavering love and support over the years. She was unable to attend services as life took its toll in the last years, but the congregation was ever present in her heart.

Visitation will be at Bellaire Baptist Church, Bossier City, LA, on Wednesday, Dec 6, 2023 from 10:00AM to 11:00AM. Dr. Randy Harper will officiate a celebration of life service in the church sanctuary from 11:00AM to noon. Interment will be at the Northwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery in Keithville, Louisiana at a later date.

Pallbearers will be Stephen Failey, David Pitts, Rick Reuschling, and Robbie Lee.