Margaret P. Cowart

Margaret Parker Cowart passed away on February 10, 2015, in Jacksonville. She was 97. She was born in Citra, Florida, in 1917, shortly before her family moved to Jacksonville. Her parents were James and Mae Hall Parker. Her father worked for the railroad and her mother was a teacher. The family lived on Park Street at the corner of Forest. Margaret attended Public School #4, John Gorrie Junior High, and graduated from Lee High School. In the 1930's she started worked at Kress’s in downtown Jacksonville, then as a telephone operator, but most of her working career was with the Internal Revenue Service, from which she retired. Margaret married Cecil G. Cowart, a navy veteran of World War II. Their daughter, Cecilia Cowart Verner survives them, as do three grandchildren, Christopher Borkenheim (Allison Borkenheim), Anna Verner (Tim Shaw), George Verner (Jewel Verner), and a great granddaughter, Emma Verner, along with many dear nieces and nephews. Margaret was the last survivor among her sisters Doris Ash, Frankie Lewis and brother Denver Parker. Margaret was an active member of Glynlea Grace United Methodist Church, and into her 90's she spent much of her time visiting and comforting members of her church family who were in need. She also participated in National Association Retired Federal Employees, Southside Women's Club, Friday Musicale, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and numerous charitable organizations. Margaret lived nine decades in Jacksonville, and she had the stories to prove it. Her memories brought back to life the people and places that were long gone. In happy times and in dark times, Margaret shared her care and comfort willingly. Few people could speak with such authority about faith, patience and hope. Now in our memories we will keep her good lessons alive. Her love embraced family and friends, even those who just met her will never forget. Margaret loved to travel and see new places. She loved the variety of people she met while traveling, and she visited every continent on the earth except for Antarctica. She was eager to go there, too, had she found a traveling companion willing to make that arduous trip. We are sure that Margaret has now found many beloved companions for her continued journeys to green pastures and heavenly lands. A special THANK YOU to Rene and the 3rd floor staff of St.Vincent’s, for watching the sunset with her. Donations may be made to Glynlea Grace United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, February 17, 2015 from 6:00 – 8:00pm at Hardage Giddens Town and Country Funeral Home, 7242 Normandy Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32205. The funeral service will be held at 11:00am Wednesday, February 18, 2015 at Glynlea Grace United Methodist Church, 6429 Atlantic Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32211. Visit www.townandcountryfuneralhome.com to share a memory or to leave a condolence for the family.