Jean Rutledge Cowles

Jean Rickert Cowles passed away on January 19, 2017. Born July 12, 1923, Jean was the second child of the late Robert Montgomery and Christine Rutledge Rickert. She graduated from Statesville High School and attended the University of North Carolina Women's College (UNC-G) earning a degree in Sociology. After graduation Jean moved to Washington, D.C. where she worked in Signal Corps Security in furtherance of the war effort until August 1945. After returning to NC, she taught English at Alexander High School in Taylorsville. In 1947 she was married to Clinton Pharr Brawley who preceded her in death. In 1960 she was married to Andrew Nathaniel Cowles who is also deceased. Jean was active in family, civic, and church activities most of her life. She was a life member of First Presbyterian Church where she chaired several committees including the Bereavement committee on which she served thirty plus years. She was a caring Girl Scout leader for ten years. Jean was a member of the Fort Dobbs Chapter of DAR and later an active member of Colonial Dames, serving as chair and secretary. Jean was predeceased by her brother Robert M. Rickert Jr, sister-in-law Johnny White Rickert, and step-daughter Sallie Cowles Strauss. She is survived by her daughter Suzann Blair Brawley (Steve) of Bend, OR, step-daughter Eloise Cowles Murray (Robert) of Hendersonville, son - in- law John Frank Strauss (Bonnie) of Scottsville, TX, nephew Michael Rickert of Charlotte , niece Pat Rickert of Huntersville as well as numerous Brawley nieces and nephews. In addition, Jean is survived by four grandchildren and twelve great - grandchildren. The family would like to express their appreciation to Jean's care giver, Jesika Guillotte for her loving care. A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church at 2:00 pm Friday, January 27, 2017. The family will receive friends in the church fellowship room following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Iredell County Humane Society, Fifth Street Ministries or First Presbyterian Church. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.nicholsonfunerals.com and Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family.