Shirley Eugene Cowan

Shirley Cowan, of Virginia Beach, Virginia, passed away on July 18, 2025 at the age of 86.  She was born in Portsmouth, Virginia on October 17, 1938.

Shirley was a dedicated employee of Virginia Beach Public Schools, where she worked at Thalia Elementary for many years until her retirement in 2004.  She was known for her passion for teaching and her commitment to her students.

In her free time, Shirley enjoyed crocheting, painting, bunco,  and reading.  She was an avid NASCAR fan and loved spending time watching races with her family.

Shirley will be remembered for her kindness, sense of humor, and boundless love for her family and friends.  She was preceded in death by her siblings:  Woodrow Evans, Effie May Suggs, Alice Rose Harrell, as well as one granddaughter, Debra Carter.  She is survived by her husband, Allon Cowan, with whom she shared over 70 years of marriage.  Shirley is also survived by her brother, Horace Adams, Jr. , and her four children:  Barbara Johnson (Reginald Johnson), Wanda Wyatt, Whitney Cowan (Sharon Cowan), and Wesley Cowan (Samantha Cowan), as well as her 11 adored grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren.

Shirley’s presence will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her memory will live on in the hearts of all those she touched.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a donation to your favorite charity.