Annette Cowan

Where It All Began

Annette was a strong and courageous woman who was determined to live her life on her terms and without apology. She believed in making her own choices and decisions. Annette was not afraid to confront difficult situations. She faced life head-on and never shied away from what others may have perceived as a challenge. Annette was truly a protector. She was taught by the best to always put her family first. She stood her ground and did things as she saw fit. Although Annette had a “tough” exterior, if you were given the opportunity to get to know her (not many were privileged to do so), you would discover that Annette had a kind heart and had a tremendous value for the friendships that were forged. She held each one of them close to her, as if they were precious jewels.   

Annette, whom many called “Nette” or “Nettie Bell,” was born on October 8 in Toledo, Ohio. Born to a father from Paris, Tennessee, and a mother from Chicago, Nette had the makings of a solid foundation. Tilmon C. Cowan and Audrey A. Johnson were united in Holy Matrimony in 1952. From this union, Annette, the eldest, was born, with Clark, Adriane, and Anita following her. Her parents, Tilmon Cowan, Audrey C. Abrons, and Mr. Clinton Abrons, all preceded Annette in her transition.

Upon her mother’s relocation back to Chicago, Illinois, Nette and her siblings found themselves surrounded by a loving, and very supportive family, which provided an unbreakable bond as well as a caring village on Chicago’s west side. This village would continue to grow and play a key role in shaping who Annette would become. Nette received the majority of her primary education in Catholic Schools of the Archdiocese of Chicago, attending St. Rose of Lima and Presentation Catholic Schools. She followed suit in her secondary education, attending Cathedral and Sienna High Schools.

Trade Winds of Our Time

As Annette was coming into her own, the world was experiencing strong trade winds. Families who had deep roots in the South were still making their way to the “Big City.” The Dodd family, as well as the Abrons family, was one of many from the Mississippi Delta who made their way North. These families were already intertwined and had well-established relationships. It was around this time that Mr. Dwight Dodd decided that he too would take the journey from Belzoni, Mississippi to Chicago, Illinois.  He came North and resided with his sister, Hattie Ann. Hattie lived on the same block as Clint & Audrey, Annette’s parents! The 4900 block of West End on Chicago’s west side, had quite a few kindred spirits. It was on this block and at this time, Dwight and Annette became acquainted. As the relationship between Dwight and Annette took its shape, the trajectories of their lives would change. On September 4, on a very hot Labor Day, Darnisha (Nisha) Lonnese Cowan arrived, and life as Annette knew it changed forever!

Onward and Upward

Entering motherhood and finding her footing in what her new life entailed, Annette got busy. She swiftly learned to navigate change with the tremendous support of her mother and family, who pledged their devotion; the only path for Annette was forward. She enrolled in the Illinois Medical Training Center and earned her first certification as a Medical Assistant. After several years of excelling in her role, Annette saw that the digital age was on the horizon and was the wave of the future. She began taking job opportunities that were less medically related and would help enhance her skills. Nette took a position with Statistical Tabulating Corporation, a data-entry center, where she placed keypunchers, operators, and tabulators with other businesses. Shortly thereafter, Annette would enjoy a rewarding career at the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA). It was here for well over a decade that Annette would utilize her data and administrative skills as a Data Processing Supervisor. As the landscape of the industry changed, so did Annette’s decision to reinvent herself and return to her first field. She never lost her desire to work in a medical capacity. Annette returned to serving in the capacity of a Medical Assistant at the Midwest Physicians practice until they relinquished their practice to Advocate Health. She finished this stint of her career with Manor Care as the onset of COVID-19 took on a tapestry all of its own. Annette then began to serve in a private duty capacity until her relocation to Paris, Tennessee in the Summer of 2024. 

The Essence of A Lady

Though Annette left Chicago, the “Big City” never left her. She continued to enjoy her love for music and her love for shopping! Orland Park became Clarksville. She would enjoy a short trip over to get that Big City feeling, and of course, the Temptations, Martha Reeves, Donald Byrd, or Smokey had to be playing in the background. She L-O-V-E-D her “Dusties,” and Satellite Radio was her best friend. Listening to and singing these songs brought back fun, loving memories of a different place and time for her. Oftentimes, with a song came a story—this was the essence of who Annette was. In addition to music, Nette was a key contributor to the meals served at home. It was no surprise to find her macaroni and cheese or potatoe salad at a family get-together or on any given  holiday (and Annette made a slammin’ potato salad)! It was common to have hers gracing the table for many occasions throughout the year. If you knew Annette, you knew she could “Bop” and “Step” with the best of em’, and you would not dare debate with her that there was no difference between the two; it was guaranteed you would lose every time! 

Annette also had a spiritual side. She had a relationship with the Lord. She confessed her belief in Jesus Christ at an early age. Though her way of expressing her beliefs was not the norm, she often said she wasn’t worried about anything because she “talked to God” and “God Got Me!” So, you either took her at her word, or you would be the one sitting up all night or scratching your head after that conversation, full of questions—but not Annette!

Everything Must Change

In the last two years of Annette’s journey on this side, she had to really lean in and rely on her relationship with the Lord. Facing the unexpected and hearing the unbelievable, Nette took this challenge on like every other challenge; she faced it her way. Determined to not give up and not give in, Annette fought hard and showed what it meant to have endurance. Nette made decisions that only she could and would make. Your job was to stand by and say, “Okay, Annette.” She made it clear that she wanted to be in control of what she wanted and did not want until the very end. She showed strength and courage in all she did and reminded you that she was not going down without a fight. Perhaps perplexed by the challenges and changes she faced, Annette never stopped fighting, and though she may have questioned some things, her questions were less relevant than her will to fight. Even until the end, she was not looking at hospice as an option; in her mind, it was rehabilitation only and nothing else. However, the “God Got Me” spirit in her came from the same God who had His own plan for Annette. He just didn’t tell her what it was.

Strong & Courageous

Well, God came and “Got” Annette on this 23rd of June, 2026, at 10:38 am. He had the final say, and He made the final decision that Annette had fought long enough. As we celebrate her life and honor her wishes, let us remember Annette for the strength and courage she showed until the end. Annette’s courage will live on in the lives of her devoted and only daughter, Nisha L. Turner (Terrence), of Indiana, her only brother and “Defender,” Clark D. Cowan (Toni) of Cincinnati,  two sisters,  Adriane C. Jackson (Greg, Sr.) of San Antonio, TX, and Anita D. Cowan, of Paris, Tennessee, her loving Godson, Jerren P. Smith (LaMesha), her niece, Courtney C. Lynch (Nick), nephews,  Christopher C. Cowan, and Gregory L. Jackson, Jr., her Aunt and true Confidant, Evangelist Joan D. Johnson of Chicago, Illinois, Bessie Freeman of Flint, Michigan, Mattie Henderson of Hallandale, Florida, and of course our Newark, New Jersey, family crew and a host of close cousins, family, and friends.  

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