Eva Lee McGowan

Eva Lee McGowan (nee Ruffin) was born July 13, 1937, in Riderwood, Alabama, to the late John E. Ruffin and Willie E Wilson. She departed this earthly life peacefully on October 14, 2024.

She graduated from Choctaw County Training School in Lisman, Alabama.

After a few years, she relocated to Cincinnati Ohio.  In 1961 she entered into a matrimonial covenant with Willis McGowan. From this union two children were born, John and Lisa.

On November 15, 1961, she joined Greater Liberty Baptist Church under the pastorate of Jerome M. Lewis, Sr. In her earlier years at Greater Liberty, she spent her weekends bowling on the church league.

As time passed Eva started working in household management. She would then go to Frisch’s Mainliner where she worked over 50 years. Eva continued to work at Frisch’s Mainliner until COVID closed everything down in 2020.  Eva had a love for preschoolers which led her to her second career with the Board of Education. This filled her heart with joy.

Eva had a quiet spirit, she loved to be surrounded by family enjoying activities such as eating out and going on vacations, just to name a few. She would cook a big Sunday dinner after church until she developed a love for eating out. Buffets were her favorite.  In her spare time, she loved beautifying the things around her like planting flowers around her house and wearing long fingernails. Eva spent any additional time making crafts, decoupage purses, sewing, crocheting and knitting. 

Eva had a long battle with COPD and chronic pain. With this ongoing issue people always assumed that she smoked, and this frustrated her because she did not. Eva had such a strong work ethic working was second nature and she would get upset when people asked when she was going to retire. 

Highlights of her life were throwing out the first pitch at the Cincinnati Reds

baseball game and when she appeared on the news a few times for her service at the Mainliner.

She was preceded in death by her husband Wills, parents, and brother Refus. She leaves to cherish her memory two children Lisa (Bryan) Stillwell and John (Shelia Elmore) McGowan; 7 grandchildren Jenna, Jaleesa, Jonathan, Denzel, Janai, Jayshaun and Heaven; 12 great grandchildren; and bonus brother Larry Moss (Detroit Michigan). She will be missed by nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

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