Mary Gaskins Cowper

Mary Becton Gaskins Cowper, 91, of 303 Court Street, Gatesville, NC, died Sunday, April 20, 2014 in the Carolina House of Cary. Mrs. Cowper was born in Craven County on March 16, 1923, and was the daughter of the late William Ottis and Mittie Irene Becton Gaskins. A graduate of East Carolina Teacher's College, now ECU, she was a civilian employee of the Army Signal Corps during World War II and worked in Washington, DC. The retired Home Economics Extension Agent for Gates County, she had in earlier years worked briefly in Chowan County, was active in the area Home Demonstration Clubs, was an avid bridge player, a member of the Gatesville Woman's Club, and as long as health permitted, a faithful member of St. Mary's Episcopal Church. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, George Pulaski Cowper; an infant son, George C. Cowper; and an infant granddaughter, Willa Mary Cowper. Surviving are her children, sons, Ottis Cowper and wife Gail of Cary and Bill Cowper of Gatesville; daughter, Edith Cowper and husband Murat Cin of Cary; her sister, Martha Jones, and her brother, William O. Gaskins, Jr., both of New Bern; and four grandchildren, George and Sara Cowper, both of San Antonio, TX and Amelia and Claire Cin, both of Cary. Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. in St. Mary's Episcopal Church by the Rev. Anne Dail. Burial will follow in the Gatesville Cemetery. Friends may join the family Tuesday from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. in Miller Funeral Home, 304 Main Street, Gatesville, and other times at the residence. Memorial contributions may be made to either St. Mary's Episcopal Church, or to a charity of one's choice. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.