Shirley Cowart

Shirley Bashlor Dykes Cowart, age 80, was born in Bashlor’s Bridge, Fort Stewart, GA, on September 25, 1936. She entered Heaven’s gates on January 10, 2017.  She died peacefully at Hospice House in Savannah, GA, surrounded by all five of her children, several grandchildren-who affectionately call her “Big Mama,” her brother, sister, a special niece and numerous other loved ones. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 on Saturday January 14, 2017 at Carter Funeral Home Bryan Chapel. Shirley’s son-in-law, Rev. Phil Maxwell, will be officiating.  Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.  Burial will follow in the Richmond Hill First Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearer’s for “Big Mama” will be her grandsons, Joey Dykes Jr., Lance Dykes, Jason Masters, Phil Maxwell, Jr., Chad Bird, and Christopher Bird. Her life will forever be cherished in the lives of her children, Joey Dykes (Vicky) of Hinesville GA, Kenny Dykes (Marcia) of Rincon GA, Debbie Bacon of Pooler GA, Patty Maxwell (Phil) of Panama City, FL, and Cecilia Bird of Richmond Hill, GA; 12 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; brother, Ralph Bailey Bashlor, Jr. (Pat) and sister, Gloria Evelyn Bashlor Saxon, both of Richmond Hill; nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and a special son-in-law, Chris Bird. Shirley spent the last 6 years at Bryan County Health and Rehabilitation Center where she was loved by many.  She was a devoted mother who worked many years to help provide for her family.  She taught Children’s Sunday School classes for many years and she was a member of the Red Hat Society. Shirley was preceded in death by her “Daddy”, Ralph Bailey Bashlor Sr.; mother, Gussie Evelyn Appler Bashlor; sister, Jacklyn Cecilia Bashlor; brother-in-law, William Eugene “Gene” Saxon, and her husband,  Olen Cowart. Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Hospice House of Savannah, GA. Carter Funeral Home Bryan Chapel is in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences may be made at www.carterbryanchapel.com. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Shirley Cowart, please visit our flower store.