March 31, 1953 – May 12, 2025
Carol graduated as Valedictorian of Gans High School in 1971 and earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Arkansas Tech University in Dec. 1993, graduating magna cum laude. She worked as a head start teacher for Cookson Hills Head Start and retired from Roland Public Schools in 2015 after 17 years as a pre-K teacher.
She married Wayne Cowan on Aug. 10, 1971, in Gans, Oklahoma, and they remained happily married for 45 years until his death in 2017.
Carol is survived by one son, Kevin Cowan and wife, Staci, of Roland; one daughter, Amber Row and husband, Andy, of Tulsa; three grandchildren, Kaylee and Kasen Cowan, and Avery Row; two step-grandchildren, Nikolas Vest and Titan Fargo; four brothers, George Southerland of Alma, Ark., Roger Southerland of Muldrow, Bob Southerland and wife, Cathy, of Roland, and David Southerland and wife, Theresa, of Tahlequah; two brothers-inlaw, Larry Cowan and wife, Judy, of Roland, and Thomas Cowan of Norman; and one sister-in-law, Sally Curtis and husband, Buddy, of Arvin, Calif.; as well as 16 nieces and nephews, 15 great-nieces and nephews, and six great-great-nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind close friends Allen Rau, Stan and Dacie Rau, Bobbi Just, Dwain and Judy Springwater, the Roland Retired Teachers, Gans alumni, and many other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, inlaws, husband, sister Angela Southerland of Fayetteville, Ark., and sisters-in-law Vicki Southerland of Muldrow and Sheryl Russell of Norman.
Carol lived a life rooted in faith, family, and simple joys. A lifelong Christian, she embodied warmth and humility, offering kindness and comfort to everyone she met. She was a selfless, natural caretaker from a young age. Whether as “Sis” to her five siblings and cousins, “Miss Carol” to generations of Head Start and pre-K students, “Aunt Sis” to her many nieces and nephews, “Mom” to her children, or “Nanny” to those closest to her heart, she wore each title with immense pride and unwavering love and support. Being “Nanny” to Kaylee, Kasen and Avery was the greatest joy of her life, and she nurtured them with boundless love, affection and guidance.
Carol’s love for her family was immeasurable, often expressed through her hearty, scratch-cooked meals—her biscuits and gravy, homemade dressing, and apple pie are unmatched. She preferred a pool and sunshine to any cold weather, had a green thumb, and enjoyed tending to a summer vegetable garden.
A devoted Arkansas Razorbacks basketball fan, she rarely missed a game and called the Hogs with enthusiasm. She was sharp and loved a game of spades or dominoes, or a challenging crossword puzzle. Her easy going nature, silliness and ready laughter made her a joy to be around. She loved a good Hallmark movie or a cooking show, and above all else, she loved being surrounded by those she cared for.
Carol’s life was one of quiet strength, generosity, and deep devotion. Her presence was a gift, and her legacy will continue in the many lives she touched.
A celebration of Carol’s life was held at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 19, 2025, at East Side Free Will Baptist Church in Muldrow. Burial followed at Memory Garden Cemetery in Muldrow. Viewing was from 2 to 8 p.m. Sunday, May 18, at Agent Mallory-Martin Funeral Home in Muldrow. The family greeted friends from 3 to 5 p.m.
Pallbearers were her nephews, Danny Southerland, Jeremy Southerland, Nick Southerland, Justin Southerland, Houston Southerland, Shawn Cowan, Brandon Nofire, and Brian Howell.
Honorary pallbearers were Larry Ulmer, Ryan Ensley, Dale Phelps, Toby Curtis and Feliz Loya.
Special thanks to the neuro and ICU care teams at CHI St. Vincent North and Gentiva Hospice in Sherwood, Ark., for their incredible efforts and unending kindness.
Carol Yvonne (Southerland) Cowan, 72, of Roland, peacefully passed away on Monday, May 12, 2025, in Sherwood, Ark., with both of her children by her side. She was born March 31, 1953, in Sallisaw, to Albert Southerland Jr. and Wyneta (Branham) Southerland.
