In memory of Frances Elaine Cowen.

89(R) SR 682 - Enrolled version - Bill Text

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