Obituary of Judy Johnson Gowan

OBITUARY – Judy Johnson Gowan – A Celebration of Life service for Judy Johnson Gowan, 72, of West Columbia will be held at Northside Baptist Church, 4347 Sunset Blvd, Lexington, SC 29072 at 1:00 PM, Saturday, May 6, 2023. Pastor Scott Crede will officiate. The family will greet friends for one hour prior to the service in the church sanctuary. Woodridge Funeral Home is assisting the Gowan family with arrangements.

Judy Gowan passed away April 23, 2023. Born in Columbia, SC, she was the daughter of the late Charles French Johnson and Margie Mildred Bolen. Judy graduated from Brookland-Cayce High School in 1969, and obtained her Master’s degree in Education from the University of South Carolina. She taught school in the Columbia area for over 40 years, with the majority of her career spent teaching at Chapin High School. Teaching was her passion, even after her retirement.

As a devout Christian, she was a member of Northside Baptist Church, and attended Calvary Chapel of Lexington. Judy dedicated her life to helping and caring for others. She was the epitome of the word selfless. She truly wanted the best for others before herself. She wanted to make sure everyone else was taken care of, and that is what made her happy. Judy devoted her life to her two granddaughters, Lilly and Ava, who called her “Emama”. They were her world.

 Judy is survived by her sons, Michael T. Gowan of West Columbia, Jonathan E. Gowan of West Columbia; beloved granddaughters, Lilly Gowan and Ava Gowan; brother, Ron Johnson of Lexington; sister-in-law, Anita Moore (Bill) of Union, SC. Judy is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Judy was predeceased by her loving husband of 48 years, Tommy Gowan; brother, Chuck Johnson; sister-in-law, Debbie Johnson.

The family would like to thank the many friends who called and sat with Judy during her illness, including Mary Frederick, Melonie Vincent, Kathy Murphy, Beth Sox, and Brantley Brinkley. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made, in her name, to Northside Christian Academy, 4347 Sunset Blvd, Lexington, SC 29072.