Matthew Curtis Gowen

Matthew Curtis Gowen, 22, of Darien, died Wednesday, May 21, 2014 after a lifelong illness. He was in the care of Hospice of The Golden Isles. Funeral services will be held 11am Saturday, May 24, 2014 in the chapel of Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home, with Reverend Bill Ligon officiating. A private interment will take place in Bethel Cemetery in Folkston. Nick Todd, Justin Todd, Alex Todd, Josh Poe, Luke Gowen, and David Johns will serve as pallbearers.

Matt Gowen was born February 12, 1992 in Brunswick to Donna Poe and G. Curtis Gowen. Matt had many limitations but he knew love and was loved by many. He had been a resident of Parkwood Developmental Center in Valdosta in recent years. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, G.R. Gowen III.

Survivors include his mother and stepfather, Donna Poe and husband Howard of Darien, his father, Curtis Gowen of Jacksonville, a sister, Sarah Gowen of St. Simons, stepbrother and sister, Josh Poe and Jessica Poe of Brunswick, maternal grandparents, Austin Hickox of Folkston, and Virginia Evans of Winder, paternal grandmother, Charna Gowen of Folkston, a beloved nanny Mamie Armstrong, a surrogate grandmother, Joan Goodman, numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins, and an extended family at Parkwood Developmental Center in Valdosta.

The family will receive friends Saturday morning May 24, 2014 from 10am until the funeral hour at Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Hospice of The Golden Isles, or PRIDE (Parkwood for Residential, Individual Development and Education) C/O Sue Fleming, 1131 Linley Ave., Marietta, Georgia 30064. www.edomillerandsons.com