Mrs. Freddie J. McGowen

April 4, 2020

Freddie Mae James McGowen was born in Katy, Texas, to Texaner Johnson James and Jesse Henry James, Sr. She was the fourth of eleven children. At an early age, she was baptized at Spring Glen Missionary Baptist Church in Spring Branch, Texas. After moving to Houston, she became a faithful member of the Church of Christ and was a member of Fifth Ward Church of Christ for many years. She attended Katy and Houston public schools. She earned her undergraduate degree from Prairie View A&M College and her Master's Degree from Texas Southern University, and she took additional post-graduate courses at the University of Nebraska. She had a long and distinguished career as a teacher and principal in the Houston Independent School District. She was principal at Highland Heights Elementary School from 1973 until her retirement in 1987. She also participated in various organizations and clubs relating to her many hobbies, which included photography, calligraphy, quilting, interior decorating, displaying her many collectibles, gardening, genealogy, and traveling. Freddie passed away on Saturday, April 4, 2020, from natural causes. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gailon Westerfield McGowen, Sr.; both parents; grandson Lannie John Lawrence; four sisters, Vernon Alseen James Kirby, Nathalla Helen James Connor, Minnie Beatrice James Harris and Audria Eunice James Elmore; and four brothers, Herman David James, Jesse Henry James, Jr., Gordon Wesley James and Thomas William James. She leaves to mourn and cherish her memory one daughter, Gayle McGowen Lawrence, two sons and one daughter-in-law, Gailon Westerfield McGowen, Jr. and Lorraine Maria Stinnette McGowen, and Frederick Rueben McGowen; six granddaughters, Alicia Anne Lawrence, Patricia Ada Lawrence, Natalie Maria McGowen, Pamela Katherine McGowen, Juliet Victoria McGowen and Alaina Gailon McGowen; one great-grandson, Lannie John Lawrence, III; one sister and brother-in-law, Eartha Dene James Lynn and Cecil Lynn; one brother and sister-in-law, Albert George James and Mary Louise Guillory James; and a host of relatives and friends. Mrs. McGowen’s life will be celebrated today, April 9th at Fifth Ward Church of Church. Her service will be attended privately, and may be viewed through live stream April 9th, starting at 11:00 A.M.: www.fwcoc.org