Roper Funeral Home and Crematory 206 Holly St Jasper, GA 30143 (706) 253-7500 (706) 253-0040 www.roperfuneralhome.com Virginia Payne Cowan, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend, passed away on Thursday, January 4, 2024, at her home at The Retreat, Jasper, GA, at the age of 91. She is preceded in death by her father, Hensley Fernando (Ferd) Payne; mother, Tensie Bell Whitworth Payne; sisters, Susie Clark, Lutrell Segars, Majell Walters, and Shirley Womack; brothers, William (Bill) Payne, James Payne, Freeman (Nando) Payne and Dallas Payne. She is survived by her husband of 70 years, James Edward (Ed) Cowan; her three children, Daryl Cowan of Sandy Springs, GA; Denise Koehl of Big Canoe, GA; and Anthony (Tony) Cowan of Ocala, FL; grandchildren, Chris, Emily, Elissa and James; and many nieces and nephews. Virginia was born the 8th of 9 children in 1932 in Carnesville, GA. She spent her childhood years in Carnesville, Franklin County, GA. She played basketball in high school and moved to Atlanta after graduating. Virginia met Ed in Atlanta, and they married in 1953. Shortly after marrying, Virginia and Ed started their family. Given Virginia and Ed's numerous siblings, their extended family was large, blessing them with multiple nieces and nephews as well as grandnieces and grandnephews. Family reunions were an institution Virginia and Ed lovingly helped organize and host for many, many years. They received great joy in spending time with family and friends. Virginia started a 35+ year career with AT&T, retiring in the late 1980s only to immediately begin working for AT&T as a contractor. After a few short years of contract work, she fully retired. After living most of their married life in the metro Atlanta area, Virginia and Ed built a log cabin on Lake Lanier and later spent a few years in Port Orange, FL. Ed finally convinced Virginia to take up golf, and they golfed together for many years, mostly while residing in Florida. Virginia and Ed enjoyed traveling and were able to take many trips throughout North America and the world. They thoroughly enjoyed exploring new places and meeting new people. The family will host a reception on Saturday, January 20, 2024, from 2 - 4 PM at The Retreat at Jasper, located at 190 Sammy McGhee Boulevard in Jasper, Georgia 30143. This will be a time to gather, celebrate her life, and share memories and stories with each other and the family. Virginia will be interned in the National Cemetery in Canton, Georgia.