Gramma - I am missing you very much this anniversary. I was always lucky enough to say "you were always there" as I grew up and took on life. Making you proud was an honor. I miss you though, and wish my kids could share in your giggles, your pride, your song, your wisdom and that same security of having you around. Thank you for giving me so many, many memories and stories to share. Love you.

Well mom,
I’m sure this last year has been entertaining.  Every day I’ve heard your laugh when I do something clutzy! ,as a matter of fact I hear both you and my mom laughing. 
 I miss you more than can be expressed here in words. 
Kathy

When I married Marvin Morillo, Rae's brother, I gained the bonus of his two sisters, Rae and Lynda.  Over the years we were together in Charleston,  in Rochester NY. and in New Bern.  I noted   Rae's  wonderful warmth and generosity.   She was a very special person.   I send my love to her two children and myriad grandchildren.                                  

Carolyn Morillo

Loved to hear you laugh.
       Loved to make you laugh.
              Will always remember your laugh.

For all the reasons I love you Gramma, I love your love the most! Everything you did, you did with love. You are a shining testament to God and led a beautiful life. I am blessed to be named after you. Your name is so special to me because it’s a part me forever. Love you Gramma Rae!

A flood of memories come to me when I think of Mom C.  Most of them include hysterical laughter.  In fact our last conversation was full of laughs (Exactly what IS a duvet? A giant pillowcase, mom!).
I hold so much in my heart for her I find it hard to express in words here. 
  Whenever we said goodbye it was never without these words: 
"Bye mom, I love you."
"Bye dahlin, I love you too."
My heart is at peace because these were the last words we shared. And they echo every day in my heart. Fare well mom.


My sweet Momma, 

Not everyone gets a chance to do life with their mom for 65 years!
I am so grateful for that. You were such a wonderful example to us and our families of God's love and one of the reasons that I always look to Him for my life's blood. Your heart was to accept, love and cherish those around you. 

And that smile! The memory of your smile and laughter will carry me on. We laughed so much. By the time we got done laughing we couldn't remember what was funny and that made us laugh even harder. In the hospital one time, you and me and Julia were simply hysterical over something - I have pictures!! Even a couple of weeks before you left for Heaven, we had a bad case of laugh face.
And you and Kathy and I ? There just aren't even words for that!!

The women in our family; your daughters, granddaughters and granddaughters-in-law, have always had a very special bond sharing our joys and talents together and you were central to that bond. Whether we were singing, sewing or just loving life together.
What a wonderful gift to us. And how you loved all those grand and great-grandbabies, especially the boys in this case! We would sit for hours and look at pictures of them all on your skylight.

I will cherish you always my dearest momma, and I will see you soon.  Love you forever, Beth

I first met Rae in 2009 as her Stephen Minister after the death of her husband. We quickly bonded and spent a year in that relationship. We then became the closest of friends! When we moved to Western North Carolina we spoke every week and our love for one another grew! She was such a spiritual person and I learned so much from her! My life is so much better having Rae in it, and I miss her so! I am so glad to have had the opportunity to love her! Below is a photo we took the last time we were together in New Bern during a visit.

Smile, and the world will smile back with you...

A funny memory to share "...Here, hold my drink so I can wiggle a little to make it look like I am dancing..."  is what Rae was saying just as this picture was being taken at Jesse and Fawn Smith's wedding 06/03/2017

She had a smile that could light up the room- a beautiful "Rae" of sunshine!!

What can I say about the woman who really changed my life. If it wasn't for her and Grandpa Cowan, I wouldn't have met my husband nor have my two beautiful girls. She took me in not really knowing me but just a couple of years. She gave me a home, a place where I could be me and share all of myself. The greatest memory I have of my beautiful Grandma was the time we shared in the Community Choir. Being able to experience that with her and also share my love of music with her will be something I cherish forever. I could be goofy and silly and she would be the same with me. We had great talks and we loved watching musicals together. I will miss you but know I have another angel watching over me. Love you Grandma, give Grandpa a big hug and kiss from me. Love , Candy

Grandma showed up for everything important in my life. I will remember that always. 

People should know how funny you are! -Holly

The look Grandma has when she is proud and peaceful.  -H

Gramma, this is harder to write than I thought. I am/was lucky enough to have a hundred memories with you which makes me miss you so terribly now. You were a staple in my life and I'm forever grateful that you cared so much. Some of my fondest memories include summer vacations to beach homes where we would dig our toes into the sand together and "let" waves knock us over, singing together at your piano during the holidays, laughing over card games till we cried, and sitting with you in your home just to talk. You have such a beautiful spirit and I hope you can see the impact you made on so many people's lives. We will carry your legacy on for you and share stories of your kindness. Love you!! 

Prayers were answered as Mrs. Rae and I became dearest and closest friends and neighbors. She had the sweetest smile and glowed whenever I came for a visit. She was so kind and caring and made me feel so welcome. We spoke of many things including awesome stories and pictures of her family and mine. She was so proud of them all. Beth was a perfect daughter and nurse. Ralph and Dave always there for her. Many hrs. they worked together putting themselves unselfishly last. It was such a joy to see them give comfort to her and one another. Mrs. Rae was the focus in their life.  Mrs. Rae inspired me in her faith and I’m sure there will be many crowns waiting for her in heaven.. I’ll always remember the love and appreciation she had for others and her many friends. It was difficult to see her health decide but she had much courage keeping her spirits up. I’ll miss her terribly but also happy now that she is at peace. Thank you Mrs. Rae for your love and all the fun times we’ve had. You could sure make me laugh. I enjoyed our talks on your deck and will always think of you when I see cardinals, camillas and of course angels. You were always there when I needed a hug. I’ll love you forever and never forget my wonderful sweet lady next door. Please greet the angels you meet for me!! All my love always, Wilma Stilley 

So many wonderful memories laughing and telling stories from our past around her kitchen table; memories I will cherish for the rest of my life.  Loving sister, Lynda.

So many wonderful memories of laughing together and telling stories from our past sitting around her kitchen table; memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life.  Loving sister, Lynda.

Rae was more than Aunt and more than Godmother to me, she was a second mom.  She came to live with us for a time while my mother recovered from surgery.  Aunt Rae braided my hair, baked bran muffins, and made sure I got off to school each morning with a giant hug and kiss.  She had a way of greeting you with a deep joy in her eyes and an excited smile that left you knowing just how very much you were loved.  Her vivaciousness and playful sense of humor meant life in her midst was full of light and laughter.  A true disciple now a saint.  Hallelujah!

Hospice nurse and Friend. 
You told me once that singing was one of your greatest loves in life so I’m sure the gates of heaven were open and the angels were dancing with excitement in anticipation of your arrival. There were times that your heart gave out on you more than once but God’s purpose for you here on earth was not yet complete. I believe He still had lives he wanted you to touch and I thank Him for the blessing of your presence in my life. Working with your wonderful dedicated family in caring for you was a privilege and an honor. You had a sweet and kind soul and you comforted me when my own mother passed away. I will remember you always and I hope someday as you do your angelic rounds you will whisper a song in my ear.
To Rae’s children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren that she loved so completely: I know you will cherish the memories she left in your keeping as you celebrate her life. 

OBITUARY

Rae Louise Cowan

August 17, 1934 – December 30, 2021

Cotten Funeral Home

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