Rev. Viola McGowan was called home on Monday, June 11, 2012 at Saline Memorial Hospital in Benton. She was born June 17, 1931 in Clark County, the daughter of the late Albert and Para Lee Blevins McKillon. Viola confessed a hope in Christ at an early age and united with the Mt. Olive AME Church. She served in many capacities of the church. Viola graduated from Sparkman Training School. In 1959 she united in marriage to Bro. Detroit McGowan who was a beloved husband and faithful traveler during her pastoral days until his death in 2003. She attended the Ministerial Seminary at Shorter College in North Little Rock after accepting her calling to the ministry in 1972. Her first and only charge until her retirement in 2007 was the Princeton circuit of thirty-five years as a faithful servant of God. Viola was a retired employee of Henderson State University having worked for many years at the home of the President. She was preceded in death by her husband Detroit McGowan and her son in law, James Williams, her brother and one great grandson. Viola leaves to cherish her memory her devoted daughter, Leola Williams of Little Rock, son Gee Edwards (Jackie) McGowan of Denver, CO, foster daughter Teresa (Michael) Smith of Malvern, faithful sisters in law, Christine Quarles of Arkadelphia and Maye Helen Harris of Camden, ten grandchildren, seventeen great grandchildren and three great great grandchildren, a host of nieces and nephews and special friends Carl Daniels, Jerlene Brim and Odelia Chapman were a part of the three musketeers and faithful church travelers. A celebration of Rev. McGowan's life will be held at 11:00 AM Wednesday, June 20, 2012 at St Paul AME Church in Arkadelphia with Revs. T.W. Scott, Linda Butler, Clarence Reynolds and Samuel L. Green officiating. Visitation will be from 1:00 to 5:00 PM Tuesday at Welch Funeral Home in Arkadelphia. Interment will be in the Rock Springs Cemetery near Sparkman. Arrangements are entrusted to The Welch Funeral Home of Arkadelphia. Visit www.welchfh.net to sign guest book.