Lorena J. McGowan

Lorena J. McGowan answered God’s call on December 2, 2010 and left to be with her Lord and Savior. She had been a life long resident of Jacksonville for 97 years. She was a daughter of Paul B. Johnson and Lorena Hinson Johnson, one of seven siblings – Sarah J. Collins (Fred), Ruth J. Pridgen (C.P.), Benjamin H. Johnson (Winnie), Martha Anne J. Evans (Neal), Polly J. Copeland (Berney), and Elizabeth J. Woodham (Ed). Lorena was the wife of Leland McGowan and they were married 68 years. He died October 1, 2003. Lorena was raised in the Main St. Baptist Church and moved her membership to NJBC in 1945. Lorena loved the North Jacksonville Baptist Church, as well as the pastors, people, and Jesus. She enjoyed so many years serving in various places. She loved God’s word, teaching, the church and the people. She was in Jacksonville Schools, Kirby Smith and Andrew Jackson, and a graduate of the University of Florida. She taught in several local elementary schools, Wesconnett, 10th & Market, Brentwood, and North Shore for 35 years and loved the experiences and the great challenge of seeing success. She had one son, Leland W. McGowan, JR., of Jacksonville; two grandchildren, Sam Michael McGowan of Utah; and Nicole M. Padgett of Jacksonville; and one great-granddaughter, Carly of Jacksonville. The Funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, December 9, with visitation one hour prior to the service at the North Jacksonville Baptist Church, 8531 N. Main St., with Rev. Chris Coram as Officiant., followed by interment in Evergreen Cemetery, 4535 Main St., Jacksonville. Memorial donations may be made in memory of Lorena to the North Jacksonville Baptist Church Building Fund, or to the Alzheimer’s Association, 378 Center Pointe Circle, Suite 1280, Altamonte Springs, FL 32701. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin, 11801 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32223. www.hgmandarin.com (904) 288-0025