Helen McGowan, age 80, of Appleton, died Saturday, January 8, 2022, at Arkansas Hospice River Valley Home in Russellville. She was born February 2, 1941, at Old Hickory to John Mike and Sarah Etta Duvall Gray.

She was a faithful member of the Appleton Cumberland Presbyterian Church, where she helped with church music and Sunday School.

She was an accomplished seamstress who enjoyed making wedding dresses and clothing for other special occasions as well as much of the clothes for her family through the years. She also enjoyed sewing special projects for the Hector School District, where she worked as a lunch lady for many years.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by three brothers, Michael, Billy Ray and James Kenneth Gray; and one sister, Margetta Barrett.

She is survived by her husband of over 60 years, Harold McGowan; a daughter and son-in-law, Beverly Lynn and Stephen Brown of Clarksville; a son and daughter-in-law, Brian Keith and Shalene McGowan of Appleton; one sister, Vonda Roark of Russellville; seven grandchildren, Sean Brown, Sadra Brown Easterling, Caitlin McGowan Miller, Eric McGowan, Aaron McGowan, Bryson McGowan and Cody England; and four great-grandchildren.

There will be a private memorial service for the family at the Appleton Cumberland Presbyterian Church with burial in the Appleton Cemetery.

Arrangements are by Shinn Funeral Service of Russellville.

Memorials may be made to The Gideons International, P. O. Box  1604, Russellville, AR  72811.

Online guestbook and condolences available at www.shinnfuneral.com .