Willa Gowen

Willa Lee Smith Gowen, 82, passed away Tuesday August 24 at the Life Care Center of Hilliard. She was born in Gassaway, Virginia to the late William Shock Smith and Erma Lee Engel Smith. She moved with her family at age 7 from West Virginia to St. George, Ga. After graduating from Charlton County High School she attended Valdosta State College for one year before moving back to Folkston, GA to marry Baynard Gowen. Together they ran several tourist businesses including Chastain’s Restaurant and the Georgian & Tropical Court Motels in Folkston. Willa Lee was a member of the Folkston United Methodist Church where she worked faithfully as treasurer for many years. She was also a member of the Folkston Garden Club and tirelessly supported her children in their after school activities. She was preceded in death by her daughter: Catherine LaRue Gowen.
She is survived by her 4-children: Bill Gowen, Yetive Johnson, Frank Gowen and Hamp Gowen; a Brother: Jake Smith; Her Grandchildren: Lee, Kate, Terra, Terrance, Blake, Franklin and Kala; and 4-Great Grandchildren: Seth, Thomas, Amelia, and Noah.
The family will receive friends Wednesday, August 25, 2010 at Shepard Funeral Home in Folkston, Georgia from 6-8 PM. Funeral services will be held Thursday, August 26 at 10:00 AM at the Folkston United Methodist Church with Rev. Benji Varnell and Rev. Dave Willette officiating. Burial will follow in Pineview Cemetery.
Condolences may be expressed by signing the guest book at www.shepardfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Shepard Funeral Home in Folkston, Georgia.