Betty Marie Goeddertz Cowan

Betty Goeddertz Cowan met her Savior Jesus Christ in heaven Saturday, December 19, at 1 p.m. Betty was a loving and gracious wife, mother, and grandmother and spent her life fiercely living for her Lord and educating and serving others. Betty graduated as valedictorian of the Port Neches-Groves class of 1948 and then obtained her BBA degree from Sam Houston State University and her Master's degree from Lamar University. Betty spent 30 years teaching business education classes. She began teaching at Thomas Jefferson High School and Port Arthur Adult Night School. Most of her teaching career, however, was at her beloved PN-G High School where she made lifelong friendships and was privileged to affect the lives of hundreds of students, including 30 student teachers. While teaching, she sponsored many student organizations, coached UIL typing and shorthand winners, and was an active member of all the teacher organizations. She was honored to receive the District Business Teacher of the Year award but, most of all, she was adamant that her students seek knowledge and excellence.

Betty was a Sunday School teacher for over forty years and was a faithful member of Magnolia Church in Port Neches. Following her retirement in 1990, she volunteered at Community Care and Prayer Outreach, enjoyed her Home Extension club, looked forward to lunches with Red Hat and Amazing Grace friends, attended Mid-County Retired School Personnel meetings, and traveled all over the world.

Survivors are her daughters and their families: Brenda and Glenn Farris and their children Stephani Farris and Zack and Marcella Farris, Terri and Kim Cormier and their daughters Natalie and Anna, and sister, Elizabeth Treaster. Those predeceasing her are husband, Darrell Cowan, parents, Leroy and Georgia Goeddertz, sister, Georgia Duplissey, brother, Roy Goeddertz, and nephew Steve Treaster.

Visitation will be Tuesday, December 22, from 2 to 4 p.m. with services immediately following at 4 p.m. at Magnolia Church, 2215 Nall Street in Port Neches. Private burial service will be immediately following the service.

Much love and appreciation is extended to Betty's wonderful caregivers toward the end of her life: Yvonne, Annette, Linda, and Paula.

In lieu of flowers, Betty's wishes are that memorials be sent to Community Retirement Home, 3141 Proctor, Port Arthur, TX 77642, Community Care and Prayer Outreach, 808B Nederland Avenue, Nederland TX 77627, or Magnolia Church, 2215 Nall Street, Port Neches TX 77651.

"Let your roots grow down into Him, and let your lives be built on Him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness." Colossians 2:7