Virginia Anne Duggan Cowden

Amory – Virginia Anne Duggan Cowden, 94, became totally healed on Friday, September 1, 2023. She was born on August 20, 1929, in Chattanooga, Tennessee to the late Lee Erickson Duggan and Julia Elizabeth Taggart Duggan.

Virginia graduated High School at age 16 and went on to complete her college education at “The W” where she obtained a music education degree. A woman who was driven to learn, she also acquired the skills necessary to become an aviator and she became Amory’s first female pilot. Virginia was musically gifted by God and loved teaching others. She taught music class in the public schools for many years as well as led the AHS Choir. Although she loved all sorts of music, she really enjoyed classical music. At one point, Virginia taught kindergarten children in the Amory Kindergarten.

Virginia married the love of her life, Fred Gordon Cowden on June 24, 1952 and they were blessed with two children. Fred owned and operated Cowden Nursery and Village Green. She was a supportive wife, loving mother and great friend to many. Over the years, Virginia’s family grew and she was thankful to God for all he gave her with her son and grandchildren being some of her favorite blessings.

She was a long time member of First Baptist Church where she played the piano for decades leading the worship. Through the years, she played for many weddings and funerals. Virginia was a friendly face at church and her presence will be missed dearly. She also helped to plant the seeds of faith by teaching Sunday school classes for many years at First Baptist Church. Virginia knew God’s word inside and out and lived out her faith daily. She had a wonderful servant heart.

Involved in the community, Virginia was a member of the Junior Auxiliary as well as the Century and Fidelia Club. Giving, she volunteered often to work at the Amory Food Pantry to help those in need. In the 1990’s, she received the Amory Distinguished Citizen of The Year award. Competitive, she loved anything to do with cards and she enjoyed teaching people how to play Bridge.

A vibrant friendly woman, Virginia will be missed so much by so many in the community. Her family and friends know that she is no longer in pain and she is at peace.

Left behind to treasure all the memories are her son, Fred Lamont Cowden, Louisville, KY; granddaughter, Laura Elizabeth Valentine of Brandon MS; great-grandchildren, Julia Grace Amos and Jason Aubrey Amos, of Brandon, MS; and her very special sister-in-law, Mrs. William Ericson Duggan (Mary Katherine), of Magnolia, AR; many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Fred Gordon Cowden; daughter, Julia Anne Cowden Valentine; sisters, Betty Lee Duggan Landrum and Laurina Jo Duggan Tucker; and by her brother, William Ericson Duggan of Magnolia , MS.

At the request of Virginia, a private family Graveside Service at Amory Historical Society Cemetery will be held with Dr. Allen Simpson officiating. Friends who would like to sign her register book and pick up a memorial folder may stop by the Funeral Home anytime after 9:00 am on Tuesday, September 5, 2023. Please keep her family in your thoughts and prayers at this time.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the First Baptist Church Music Fund or the Amory Food Pantry.

Memories and condolences may be shared with her family at EEPickleFuneralHome.com