Julia Barlow McGowan

McMinnville, TN resident and Avery County, NC native Julia Barlow McGowan, age 91, was born July 19, 1923 and died June 3, 2015 at NHC Healthcare in McMinnville following an extended illness. A homemaker, she was the daughter of the late William Thomas and Julia Ann Gwyn Barlow. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by husbands, Robert Paul Ward (deceased 1977), Howard Russell (deceased 1987) and Francis McGowan (deceased 2015); and eight siblings, Mary Lou Barlow Oaks, Mattie Virginia Barlow Gaultney, Frank Barlow, Charles Howard Barlow, Myrtle Ray Barlow Wilson, Reign Scoville Barlow, Helen Barlow Siler and John Hodges Barlow. She is survived by five children and their spouses, Robert Ward of Ottawa, KS, Philip and Nina Ward of Georgetown, TX, Jann and David Dunn of Maryville, TN, Thomas and Marsha Ward of McMinnville and Gregory and Sandy Ward of Harriman, TN; and ten grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Mrs. McGowan moved to Oak Ridge, TN in 1943 in support of the Manhatten Project. She was a member of the Gray Ladies Women's Club and the '43 Club, and various square dancing clubs. She was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Oak Ridge, TN, and attended the First Presbyterian Church in McMinnville. Her hobbies included gardening, sewing, knitting, reading and traveling. Her travel destinations included England, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, Alaska, and most of the lower 48 states. She will be remembered for her glowing spirit and zest for life. She was thankful for what she had, and patient about what was to come. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 6, 2015 at the First Presbyterian Church with Harry Green officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service Saturday at the church.