Joyce Hawkins Cowan

COWAN, JOYCE H. 88, peacefully passed away on December 6, 2022, surrounded by her family. She was born in South Carolina on December 21, 1933, to the late John Roba Hawkins and Mary Elizabeth Broderick Hawkins, and spent her childhood and retired life in Danville, VA. Joyce was preceded in death by her husband, William Buron Cowan III; three brothers, Jack, Frank, and Raymond Hawkins, a sister, Meredith Neal; a granddaughter, Catharine Page Conway; and two sons-in-law, Michael Motley and Rob Rasmussen. She is survived by her three children, Catharine Motley, Susan Rasmussen, and William “Bill” Cowan IV; seven grandchildren, Scott Motley, Jennifer Painter (Mitch), Dan Rasmussen (Meg), Sandra Mills (Willie), Dana Campbell (Robbie), Tabitha Heruf (Chris), and Curtis Fields; four great-grandchildren, Emily and Tristan Painter, Mason Motley, and Rob Rasmussen; two sisters-in-law, Jane and Deborah Hawkins; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other extended family and friends. Joyce was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She enjoyed reading novels in every available minute. After raising her family in Richmond, she was a longtime employee of St. Catherine’s School in the Alumni & Development Office while also being an on-campus dorm mother for many years. The family would like to thank the care team at Heritage Green for the care and commitment they have shown during these last four years. All services will be private. Online condolences can be left at www.monaghanfunerals.com. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joyce Hawkins Cowan, please visit our floral store.