Vella Marie Behm Cowan

Vella Marie Behm Cowan peacefully passed away on Wednesday, August 29, 2007. Vella was born on May 5, 1913, in Atlanta, Georgia. She lived in Decatur most of her life. She graduated from Agnes Scott College in 1935 and has been very active in the Agnes Scott Alumnae Association.  She was honored in 2005, at the Tower Circle Dinner by former President, Mary Brown Bullock during Alumnae weekend, for being the Fund Chair of her class for 70 years. She announced her retirement at the age of 92. "It was easy and simple, I just kept it up," she said. "I wrote my classmates every year, and never thought a thing about it -it had to be done." Vella, whom her children describe her as a lifetime leader, led her class to exceptional support of the college. After graduation from college she worked for six years at Druid Hills Presbyterian Church as church secretary and Director of Christian Education. She has been an active member of Clairmont Presbyterian Church for nearly 50 years, serving on the Building Committee, as an Elder, president  of The Women of the Church, Bible teacher, Chairman of Spiritual Life, Circle Leader and Sunday School Teacher. She will always be loved and remembered for her devotion to her family. Her warm and giving spirit, her faith in the Lord and the love she shared with family and friends will remain with many people for years to come. Over the years there were many who were blessed with her love through her joy of cooking, entertaining and her desire to help and comfort others. Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Alice and Tom McDougald of Suwanee; son and daughter-in-law, David and Bethany Cowan of Atlanta; a sister, Charlotte Behm Thigpen of Decatur; six grandchildren, Jill McIntyre, Melanie McDougald, Zachary Cowan, Grace Powell, Stephen Cowan and John Cowan. Two great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Hiram David Cowan; and one brother, Raymond Gaston Behm. A Memorial Service will be held at Clairmont Presbyterian Church at 11.00 a.m. on Saturday, September 1st. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Clairmont Presbyterian Church, 1994 Clairmont Rd., Decatur, GA 30033.  The family will receive friends from 5:30 to 7:30 P.M. Friday, August 31st at A. S. Turner & Sons. (404) 292-1551