Ann Bowen McCown

Published 10:47 am Tuesday, April 25, 2017

Ann Bowen McCown described her marriage as “a good one.” After a noon service on Wednesday, April 26, 2017 at the Church of the Holy Cross (Episcopal), 150 Melrose Avenue, Tryon, N.C., her ashes will be interred there in the Memorial Garden as are those of her late husband, William Vance McCown.

Ann was born in Tryon on November 6, 1934 and spent her life in Tryon. She was educated in Tryon Schools, beginning with kindergarten at Tryon Country Day School. It was there she met her future husband. She continued her later education at St. Mary’s College in Raleigh and Agnes Scott in Decatur, Ga.

Ann was a devoted caregiver to Vance for all of the 44 years of their marriage until his death in 1997. Vance served the community as the Tryon Town Attorney, Polk County Magistrate, and Vestry Member of Holy Cross with Ann by his side.

Ann was also a loving mother to their three children, Katherine McCown Wall (Billy), William Vance McCown, Jr., Ellen McCown Schwab, grandchildren, Ryan Wall (Nicole), Katy Wall, Bowen Schwab, Ann Ramey Schwab, and Sara McCown, and great grandsons, Blake Wall and Levi Radziewicz. She is also survived by sister, Barry Gilmer (Fred) and sister-in-law, Jane McCown McKinney (John) and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Al and Ellen Fain Bowen, her grandparents, James Toole Fain and Annie Ramey Fain and her son-in-law, Thomas Jock Schwab.

An accomplished water colorist, Ann was an integral part of Polk County’s art scene. Her paintings are treasured in many local collections. She also was very active in the community participating in Girl Scouts, Polk County School Art Programs, and the Church of the Holy Cross.

Ann died peacefully early Sunday morning at her home after spending a restful Spring Saturday with her family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Church of the Holy Cross (Episcopal), 150 Melrose Avenue, Tryon, N.C., Children’s Theater Festival, 34 Melrose Avenue, Tryon, N.C., or the Upstairs Artspace, 49 South Trade Street, Tryon, N.C.

An online guest register is available at www. mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com.

McFarland Funeral Chapel
Tryon, N.C.