Wilma McGowen

PUXICO, Mo. -- Wilma Arcena McGowen, 97, of Puxico went to be with the Lord on Thursday, May 26, 2022, at Auburn Creek Assisted Living in Cape Girardeau.

Wilma was born Oct. 6, 1924, in Puxico to the late Audrey Azel and Dena Ann Hickman Allen. She was united in marriage to Hubert "Dude" McGowen on Dec. 5, 1940, in Poplar Bluff, Missouri.

Wilma was a member of Pleasant Valley Missionary Baptist Church for 84 years, serving as clerk, Sunday school teacher and in many other areas.

She played the piano entirely by ear, which she considered her heavenly gift. Wilma enjoyed gardening and brightening lives with her beautiful flowers. She loved quilting with her mother, and her children and grandchildren were gifted with special wedding quilts.

Wilma is survived by two sons, Jimmy (Marsha) McGowen of Cape Girardeau and Terry (Trish) McGowen of Puxico; grandchildren, Brian (Peggy) McGowen of Puxico, Drs. Sarah (Roy) Phillips of Lexington, South Carolina, Nan (Brad) Beaird of Columbia, Missouri, Brandon (Krystal) McGowen of Puxico, Eric (Kristi) McGowen of Cape Girardeau and Julie (Aaron) Kuehle of Cape Girardeau; 12 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

She was proceeded in death by her parents; husband, Hubert "Dude" McGowen; son, Dr. Sammy H. McGowen; and brothers, Ralph, Everett and Elmer Allen.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, June 2, at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home in Puxico.

Funeral will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, June 2, at the funeral home, with the Rev. Gary Burns officiating. Interment will immediately follow the service at Duck Creek Cemetery in Puxico.