Betty Brown Cowger

Betty Brown Cowger, 97, of El Dorado, Ark. died peacefully at her home late Wednesday evening, November 13, 2019. Betty was born in El Dorado in June 1922. She graduated from El Dorado High School in 1940, and from the University of Arkansas in 1944. In November 1948 she married Charles Cowger of El Dorado. They were married almost 58 years, until his death in 2006. Betty is survived by her son Walter Cowger of Dallas, Texas, and her grandchildren Mollie Cowger of San Francisco, Calif., and Sam Cowger of Portland, Ore. A homemaker, Betty had many interests. She was an avid golfer, accomplished pianist, and formidable bridge player. She was active in the First Presbyterian Church of El Dorado, the South Arkansas Arts Center Auxiliary, and the Pi Beta Phi sorority, recommending local high school graduates for membership in it well into her 80s. Betty tutored both children and adults in reading. In addition to The University, she supported the South Arkansas Community College and Foundation, the Haiti Education Foundation, Arkansas Food Bank, and the Union County Animal Protection Society (UCAPS). She traveled widely, both with her women friends and with her husband Charles and his golfing buddies after he retired from Murphy Oil in 1984. Politically, she was a staunch "yellow dog" Democrat all her life, instilling that in her son and grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband of 57 years Charles E. Cowger. Betty was a wise, sweet, gracious woman who was extremely fortunate to live a long and happy life. She will be sorely missed. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, November 22, 2019 at the First Presbyterian Church with Rev. David Stipp-Bethune officiating. The family will receive friends Thursday, November 21, 2019 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Young's Funeral Directors in El Dorado, and following the service on Friday. Memorials may be made to South Arkansas Community College Foundation Inc., P.O. Box 7010, El Dorado, Ark. 71730; Haiti Education Foundation, P.O. Box 10775, El Dorado, Ark. 71730; Arkansas Food Bank, 4301 W. 65th St., Little Rock, Ark. 72209; or UCAPS, 1000 Sunset Road, El Dorado, Ark. 71730. An online registry is available at www.youngsfuneralhome.com