Virginia Imogene McCowen, 68, of Mt. Vernon, passed away at 3 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 9, 2009, at her home after a short and courageous battle with lung cancer.
Virginia was born Aug. 5, 1941, in rural Waltonville, daughter of Virgil and Aleen (Harrison) Wilson. She married Richard McCowen on Oct. 4, 1958, in a small private ceremony in Mt. Vernon.
They shared 51 years of marriage. Virginia said she didn't have a big wedding, but she had a wonderful 50th anniversary with our family and friends. Virginia said you know 50 years really isn't that long.
She attended Waltonville High School. She went on to become a cosmetologist and later managed The Heil Beauty Supply House in Mt. Vernon for 23 years. She was a devoted member of the St. Mary's Catholic Church in Mt. Vernon. She loved her church and her fellowship members. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and admiring her beautiful flower garden.
She is survived by her husband Richard and daughter Vickie M. McCowen and son John B. McCowen, all of Mt. Vernon; brothers, Richard Wilson of California and Glendale and wife Donna Wilson of Wisconsin; and sisters, Margie Richardson of Stonington, Betty Hicks of Steelville and special friend of her brother Ed, Debbie Butler of Indiana. Brother-in-law Tom and Della McCowen of Waltonville and sister-in-law, Rosemary and Vernon Shook of Centralia, also survive.
Surviving grandchildren include Jesse Maynor and Bethanie of Waltonville, Ryan Maynor and Angie of Mt. Vernon, Dustin McCowen of Centralia, Amber McCowen of Walnut Hill, Wayne and Levi "McCowen" Jones of Dix and McKinzie McCowen of Belleville. Surviving step great-granddaughter is Carleigh Campbell of Mt. Vernon. Surviving great-grandchildren are Rhianna and Isabella Maynor of Mt. Vernon, Gabriella Hall of Mt. Vernon also, Melanie Wood and Mara McCowen of Walnut Hill and Aunist and Colton Alan McCowen of Springfield. Many nieces and nephews also survive.
She was preceded in death by her parents Virgil and Aleen Wilson; father and mother-in-law Jarret and Ruth McCowen; one son Richie McCowen; two brothers, William “Little Bill” and Edward Wilson; brother-in-law, Jesse Hicks; and sister-in-law Evelyn Wilson.
Visitation will be on Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Hughey Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon. Services will be held on Friday at 10 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Mt. Vernon with Father John Iffert officiating. Interment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Mt. Vernon.
For those who wish, memorials may be given to the American Lung Association and will be accepted at the funeral home, or from the online obituary at www.hugheyfuneralhome1969.com, or mailed to Hughey Funeral Home, P.O. Box 721, Mt. Vernon, IL 62864.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Hughey Funeral Home where you may call 242-3348 or visit www.hugheyfuneralhome1969.com for further information and to send condolences.
