Mary Jean Cowart, of Wauchula, passed away December 30, 2010 at her home. She was born September 13, 1936 in Bowling Green, Fla. to Hugh and Edna Griffin and had been a lifelong resident of Hardee County. She graduated from Hardee High School in 1955 and received her nursing degree from Polk Community College.
She was a member of New Hope Baptist Church and had been a registered nurse, working in the local hospital and nursing home. Mary enjoyed baking, listening to gospel music, and traveling to the mountains every year with her friends to see the fall colors. Most of all she loved caring for her family and friends.
Survivors include her loving and caring husband of 54 years, Charles Ray Cowart of Wauchula; three sons, Tommy Cowart of Wauchula, Dennis Cowart of Fort Lauderdale and Bruce Cowart of Fort Lauderdale; one daughter, Linda Conley of Avon Park; one brother, Dean Griffin of Bal Harbor, FL; one sister, Gail Weeks and husband Carl Frey of Bowling Green; and three grandchildren, Charley and Sarah Cowart and Amanda Conley; and thirteen nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents R. H. (Hugh) Griffin and Edna Lawrence Nole, her nephew David Roberts, and her beloved mother-in-law Mada Cowart and father-in-law Boyd Cowart.
Visitation will be held at 10:30 a.m. followed by a Memorial service at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 5, 2011 at New Hope Baptist Church with the Reverends Chris Bishop, Albert Blum, and Jerry Harper officiating.