Mary Joyce Cowen

Mary Joyce Johnson Cowen, 80 years of age, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Mary was born November 11th, 1944, in Pascagoula, Mississippi, to Dora and Robert Johnson. She was the seventh of eight children, and her mother led her to Christ at a very young age. She graduated from Central High School in Jackson, Mississippi in 1962. She met her husband, Gerald, during her junior year of high school while attending Youth For Christ, where Gerald was the song leader. They married in 1963 and moved to New Orleans, where Mary worked as a legal secretary to support Gerald's education at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Throughout Gerald's ministries and work at Southwest Baptist College, Criswell College and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Mary ministered alongside him and gave generously of her time and talents to the students and their wives and children. She was a tireless encourager, pointing people to Christ and the truth of His word.

Mary loved the Lord with all of her heart, and her unwavering faith in Christ made a strong impression on those she encountered. After the Lord Jesus and Gerald, Mary loved her large family, and she took every opportunity to show those around her that they were loved unconditionally. She found joy in serving, dedicating her life to her children and grandchildren, praying often, and encouraging everyone in their faith.

Mary's life served as a shining example of Christ's love and faithfulness, and her loved ones will always remember Psalm 19:14 as a verse she would pray over them:

"May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer."

Mary is survived by husband Gerald, daughters Kimberly Lauer and Lara Foster, son-in-law Russ Foster, grandchildren Ashley Daniels, Abigayle Lauer, Alexander Lauer, Preston Foster, Mary Rose Foster Burns, and Bennett Foster, brother Robert Johnson, sister-in-law Marcy Johnson, sister Gloria Marble, brother-in-law Carl Ray Furr, sister Billie Sheppard, brother-in-law Ken Sheppard, sister-in-law Judy Bryant, brother-in-law John Bryant, and many nieces and nephews.

Mary is preceded in death by her brother Dan Johnson, sister Peggy Dean, brother-in-law Tony Dean, brother Watts Johnson, sister-in-law Jane Johnson, brother-in-law Charles Marble, sister Gail Furr, nephew Nicholas Marble, nephew Carl Ray Furr, Jr. nephew Johnny Dean, and nephew Tony Johnson. 

There will be a funeral service to celebrate Mary’s life at 3:30 p.m., Saturday, August 2, 2025, at Allen Family Funeral Options. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 2-3:30 p.m.

Mary will be laid to rest at Gunter Cemetery, Gunter, Texas. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a scholarship fund in Mary Cowen's name to New Life Baptist Seminary at 626 Burr Oak Drive, Frisco, TX 75033.