Zan Cowan

Mrs. Avis Ann (Zan) Cowan, age 80, passed away Monday, January 25, 2016 at her home in Conyers. At an early age her older brother, Jimmy, pronounced Avis Ann as 'Zan'. Henceforth, she has been called Zan by all who knew her. She was dearly loved and admired by her family and many friends. She demonstrated a sincere and caring nature through her outgoing personality and sense of humor. Zan is survived by her husband of 60 years, Edward L. Cowan, Jr. (Ed) who was a childhood friend and teenage sweetheart. They have two daughters, two sons, seven granddaughters and four great-grandchildren. Her surviving family: daughter, Sandra Zan Etheredge and husband, Rodney, daughters, Brittany Zan, Callie Caldwell and husband, Brian and daughter, Lucy, Lindsey Beavor and husband, Ryan and son, Owen; son, Eli Cowan and wife, Nancy and daughter, Arden Cowan and her sons, Elijah and Jacob; son, Joe Cowan and wife, Kelly and daughter, Mary Grace; daughter, Julie Howard and husband, John and daughters, Zan Kathryn and Anna; sister, Judy Smith and husband, Ronald, nieces, Tracy Young and Leigh Zan Wach and nephew, Brent Smith; sister-in-law, Paula Walker, wife of Zan's brother, Jimmy, who died of lymphoma at the early age of 47. Though Zan's sister, Judy, is 10 years younger, they were best friends, and constant companions. In 1984 they were happy to become next door neighbors on their family lake. They were known to have marathon shopping excursions, outings with their children, family trips as well as other happy adventures. She is survived by many cousins on both the Walker side and Owens side of her family. She was preceded in death by her father, Eli M. Walker and her mother, Agnes Owens Walker. Her father was a businessman in Conyers and was the Rockdale House of Representatives member to the Georgia General Assembly at the time of his sudden death at age 46. Her mother and father were born and spent most of their lives in Rockdale County, as did their three children. Zan was always very active and 'on the go' - hence the nickname 'Zipper Zan' used by her grandfather and other family members. She was always involved in athletic activities. In her early years, she joined her brother and her future husband, Ed and other neighborhood boys and girls in playing baseball and roller skating on North Main Street where her home was located. At Conyers High School she played on the girls' basketball team and learned the game of tennis. Tennis was a big part of her life, playing on many ALTA and USTA teams and often with her husband. Zan had many other talents including sewing, quilting, knitting and keeping her family laughing at her many antics. Her grandchildren thought she was the 'coolest' grandmother around! After Zan and Ed married during his junior year at Georgia Tech, he and a friend bought a small boat and learned to water ski. Lake related activities and mountain hiking remained a large part of their lives. In 1973 an unanticipated event occurred that significantly changed the lives of Zan and Ed. They purchased Steele Hardware Company in Conyers in which Ed's father was a partner. Ed left his Atlanta based mechanical contracting career, and Zan returned to work while having four children in school. Together they worked to build and grow Cowan Ace Hardware Company. The business is now owned by their daughter, Sandra Etheredge and son, Joe Cowan. Zan will be missed by her husband, children, family and many friends. The many lives she touched and positively influenced are beyond measure. The family will receive friends Thursday, January 28, 2016 from 4 until 7 p.m. at the funeral home. A Memorial Service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, January 29, 2016 at First Baptist Church of Conyers, 2100 Highway 138 NE, Conyers, GA 30013. Following the memorial service, the family will receive friends in the church. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a memorial gift for cancer research be made to Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Development Office, 1762 Clifton Road, Suite 1400, Atlanta, GA 30322 or by calling 404-712-4483. Condolences may be submitted on-line at www.scotward.com. Scot Ward Funeral Services, 699 American Legion Road, Conyers, GA 30012, 770-483-7216.

Zan Cowan

April 25, 1935 - January 25, 2016