Mary Sanders Cowart

Mrs. Mary Sanders Cowart, age 80, of Commerce, GA died Thursday, January 21, 2016 at Riverside Nursing Home.  She was the daughter of the late Horace and Alice Ferguson Sanders.  In addition to her parents, Mrs. Cowart was preceded in death by her guardian parents, James G. and Martha Ferguson; and husband, Willie Waymon Cowart.  She was a member of the Methodist Church of Thomaston. 

The passing of Mary Cowart will leave a void in the many lives she touched over the years. But, we do understand this is "the plan". 

At the early age of 18, Mary was destined to be of service to many as she entered the retail world. In Thomaston Georgia, after high school graduation, Mary became the manager of McConnell’s 5 & 10. She was soon transferred to Roanoke, Alabama as the manager of the McConnell's store there. Mary was quickly recognized as one with the young unusual ability to manage a retail store while at the same time meet the needs of customers.  Again, Mary was offered a McConnell’s store in Commerce, Georgia as the manager. It was there Mary found her home for the next 62 years.

Not long after moving to Commerce, Mary met her late husband, Willie Cowart.  Mary and Willie were married in 1958. Then, their life began as husband and wife, and both were destined to be of service to thousands in the retail world.  They first started with a small grocery store, where they were side by side seven days a week. As time moved on, both were true entrepreneurs, and ”Willie and Mary" were about to embark upon their dream of making Commerce a better place.

It was in the early 1970's that Mary opened Mary's Fashion Corner in the "corner" of one of their shopping centers. The opening of her store provided Commerce and the surrounding area unparalleled quality ladies clothing and service.  Service today seems to be a lost art in some respects, but Mary never, ever lost her desire to provide that quality service.  She had customers from a vast distance that would travel for her expertise. Many would even make a day of coming to Commerce to Shop with Mary. You see her store was not a generic name. It was and is referred to as "Mary's", and there is only one Mary.

Although Mary and Willie chose not to have children, Mary made us feel like we were all her family. Mary had a heart beyond compare. Her sincere and genuine giving nature was apparent every time we saw her. Mary was prominent in the fashion world as she did fashion shows in numerous locations several times a year.  She was so highly regarded with her ability to provide wardrobes to ladies that were always pleased to be "dressed by Mary". I assure you, there is no one anywhere that can fill her shoes. She is "one of a kind".

She was always sending cards to let others know she cared, and in her last days she received many, many cards she was so pleased to receive. Mary spent her last few weeks in Thomaston, Georgia with her sister, Peggy Gleaton. Mary loved to hear the verses in cards, and Peggy would read the numerous cards to Mary on a daily basis.  When talking with Mary, she very often referred to Peggy. However, it was not Peggy she used in her discussions so much. However, we all knew who she was referring to when she said "My Sister". That was constant in Mary's conversation. She and Peggy were extremely close and Mary was always so pleased and wanted others to know that Peggy was "My Sister". Mary is the only one that could call her that.  Such love between two sisters. If only all of us had that relationship, care, and understanding, what a better place this world would be.

Well in this short history of Mary Cowart, it is certainly evident that Mary, in her own quiet subtle giving way, she

was always thinking of others as she sent cards, called, and provided encouragement to those around her that she loved so much. She was not ashamed to say "I Love You".  Peggy, above all, knows this so very well. Also, she never forgot to mention Robbin and Byron, her niece and nephew. Numerous times while talking about "My Sister", they would be at the forefront of the conversation as well. Peggy, Robbin, and Byron, you can rest assured that "MiMi", as they called her, was proud to have you as her family. Her treasures of you in her heart was very evident, and her genuine caring nature will definitely impact your life forever.

Just for now, Mary, Good Bye, and we will be along soon.

Mrs. Cowart is survived by her sister, Peggy Sanders Gleaton of Thomaston; niece, Robbin Gleaton Kent; and nephews, Byron Gleaton and Terry Dills.

Funeral services will be at 4 PM, Saturday, January 23 at the chapel of Little-Ward Funeral Home with Rev. Donald Wilson officiating.  Interment will follow in Jackson Memorial Gardens.  The family will receive friends at the funeral home Saturday from 2 to 4 PM.  In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce is in charge of arrangements.