Elizabeth Gowans
Obituary
Elizabeth Beattie Harwood Gowans, 92 of Tulsa, Oklahoma quietly passed away March 5, 2012 at Saint Simeon's Episcopal Home in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Oldest daughter of Carlisle Gaines and Florence Belle Harwood, Elizabeth was born in Oklahoma City on Valentines' Day, February 14, 1920.
She was a graduate of Central High School. She earned her Bachelor of Arts and her Master Degree in Education from The University of Tulsa, where she was a Phi Beta Kappa and President of her sorority, Chi Omega.
Elizabeth was a classroom teacher in Tulsa for 38 years. She taught at Lincoln, Marshall and Eliot Elementary schools and personally touched the lives of thousands of students. After retirement, she worked at the Tulsa City-County Library tutoring adults in their reading program and also teaching in The University of Tulsa reading clinic. She was a long-time member of Southminster Presbyterian Church and served as both a deacon and an elder.
She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Ann Harwood Bryce. She is survived by her three daughters and their husbands: Margaret & David Underwood, Martha & Jeff Francis and Mary and Dennis Neibling. She has 6 grandchildren: Mallory Roark, Marty Link, David Pennington, Patrick Sloan, Morgan Francis and Megan Francis. She also leaves 8 great-grandchildren and many loved nephews and nieces.
The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Southminster Presbyterian Church's Music Fund.
Events
Tributes & Memories
Our deeply condolence to Misses Elizabeth's family, we will miss see her in her backyard enjoy the weather, the birds and saying hello to our dog Danka. She was a great neighbor, very sweet and kind lady. Our prayer are with her family.
The Marcano Rocha family
It was a joy knowing Mrs. Gowans while growing up, not only as a neighbor but as my library teacher at Eliot Elementary. She was one of the kindest and caring people I have ever known. She served Southminster Presbyterian Church proudly and was a joy to have as a close neighbor that always welcomed the neighborhood kids to play in her yard with her grandkids. Heaven has received a great one.
Mick Grillot
I will always remember Mrs. Gowans as a beautiful and kind lady. It was a true joy to have her as a neighbor and to know her family for many years
Eileen Plemmons
What a friend she was to us.....had some good times together.....she will be missed so much by us. To all of the family, we are thinking of you and praying for you. She was a true lady and we were so lucky to live across the street from her. RIP Elizabeth!!!!
The Bendel family
I have many fond memories of my years @ John Marshall Elementary, some 50+ years ago. Mrs. Gowans, my 4th grade homeroom teacher, was absolutely one of the brightest. She was competent, kind and warm & I don't remember ever dreading going to her class. She was a blessing and always mentioned in a positive way by my classmates when we get together for reunions. She definately left her thumb print on many of us. I'm thankful for our time.
Gary Colvin
As a young teacher at John Marshall Elementary School I valued the insight of Mrs. Gowans. Later as I was serving in other capacities on occasion I would see Mrs Gowans. She was always warm and thoughtful showing interest in what was going on in my life. Mrs. Gowans loved kids and the kids that came from her homeroom always showed their love and respect for Mrs. Gowans. To her family I must say you were blessed to know her as a family member.
Elizabeth Gowans
I am one of the thousands of Tulsa County students whose life Mrs. Gowan touched. I was in one of her fourth grade classes at John Marshall about 50 years ago. In the past couple of years a group of us that went to JM have reunited and even had dinner together in Tulsa. As we reminisced about our times together at Marshall we all had fond memories of Mrs. Gowan. I am personally thankful that I was privileged to have your mother as a caring teacher. I now am in my 13th year (3rd career) of teaching high school students and better understand the commitment it takes to be a teacher like Mrs. Gowan. Please know that you are all in my prayers, asking God to comfort you in your time of loss.
Darryl Crews