Joan L. Cowell

Joan L. Cowell, a cherished member of her family, passed away on August 30, 2024, at the age of 84. Born on August 4, 1940, in Codell, Kansas, Joan lived a life enriched with faith, family, and service.

Joan was a devoted follower of the Lord and a member of the Indian Springs Baptist Church. Together with her husband, the late Col. Donald M. Cowell, they dedicated their lives to planting churches across Oregon, Washington, and Arkansas. Their shared mission and unwavering commitment to their faith left a lasting impact on many communities.

An avid quilter, Joan expressed her creativity fabric by fabric, weaving love into everything she created. Her passion for travel and camping was matched only by her dedication to the Good Sam Camping Club, where she served as the Assistant Director alongside her late husband for many years. These adventures brought her joy and allowed her to forge lasting memories with family and friends. Joan also loved serving as a Chaplain's wife for 28 years while they were stationed at 9 different Air Force bases.

Joan's legacy lives on through her loving family. She is survived by her daughter, Debbie Ackerman and her husband Bill; sons Jeffrey Cowell and his wife Erin, Destry Cowell and his wife Debbie, and Rich Cowell and his wife Terri. Joan took great pride in her grandchildren, including Bill Ackerman and his wife Dustie, Kimber Ackerman, Sydney Carter and her husband Jackson, Sarah Castleberry and her husband Evan, Jake Cowell, Darci Cowell, DeAnn Cowell, Denae Cowell, Emma Perry and her husband Jim, Kaitlin Cowell, and Megan Cowell. She is also a great-grandmother to Norah Jane Carter.

Joan is remembered fondly by her brother, Paul Smith; and sisters, Janet Clayton and Joyce Johnson and her husband Robert. 

Joan was preceded in death by her loving husband of 65 years, Donald M. Cowell.  She shared a special bond with her late sister, Dian Smith, who has also preceded her in death.

Visitation will be held 2:00-3:00 PM, Friday, September 6, 2024 with funeral service following at 3:00 PM at Indian Springs Baptist Church, 23581 I-30, Bryant, AR .  She will be laid to rest at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Charlie Davidson Sunday School Class at Indian Springs Baptist Church, 23581 I-30, Bryant, AR .

Joan’s infectious spirit, warm heart, and unwavering faith created a profound impact on all who knew her. The love she bestowed upon her family, church, and friends was immense and will be deeply missed. Her legacy of love and service to others will remain a guiding light for all whose lives she touched.

Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home.  Online guestbook:  www.SmithFamilyCares.com.