SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 682

In Memory

of

Frances Cowen

WHEREAS, Family and friends were deeply saddened by the passing of Frances Elaine Cowen of Tyler on April 13, 2025, at the age of 85; and

WHEREAS, Frances Jones was born in El Dorado, Arkansas, on October 4, 1939, to Oliver Louis Jones and Eunice McCartney Jones; she grew up with the companionship of five brothers and one sister, and she graduated from Chapel Hill High School in Tyler; and

WHEREAS, Over the course of her life, Frances was blessed with a large and loving family; she had four sons, Douglas, Derek, Stephen, and Kenneth, with her first husband, Edward Thomas Gilpin; later, she and her husband of 50 years, Kenneth D. Cowen, welcomed two daughters, Amy and Emily, and she also became stepmother to his children, Ken, Mary, and Tammy; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Cowen began her career as a proofreader and typesetter at the Dallas Times Herald, and she also worked in advertising and data entry; once her daughters were in high school, she returned to school herself and earned a bachelor's degree in psychology; she went on to complete a master's degree in special education, and she taught in the Mesquite Independent School District until she retired; and

WHEREAS, A woman of deep faith, Mrs. Cowen was an active member of Tyler Tabernacle United Pentecostal Church and Abundant Life Temple in Gladewater; she cherished time spent with her numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and she also enjoyed traveling, reading, and playing dominoes; and

WHEREAS, Frances Cowen lived a life that was rich in family and friends, and those who were privileged to share in her love and affection will forever hold her close in their hearts; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 89th Legislature, hereby pay tribute to the memory of Frances Elaine Cowen and extend sincere sympathy to the members of her family: to her sister, Nora Porter; to her children, Douglas Gilpin and his wife, Claudia, Derek Gilpin and his wife, Peggy, Stephen Gilpin and his wife, Karran, Amy Clardy, and Emily Starkey and her husband, Buddy; to her stepchildren, Ken Thompson and his wife, Reba, Mary Tyner, and Tammy Campbell; to her 13 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren; and to her other relatives and friends; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be prepared for her family and that when the Texas Senate adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Frances Cowen.

Hughes

________________________________

President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on June 1, 2025, by a rising vote.

________________________________

Secretary of the Senate

________________________________

Member, Texas Senate