Elder Claudie James Cowen

Elder Claudie James Cowen, 76 of Danville Il, transitioned from earth to Glory on Saturday, July 22, 2023 at 8:30 p.m. at Arcadia Nursing Home in Danville, Il. 

Claudie, affectionately known as “Chong” was born August 29, 1946 in Cohasitte, Alabama to Clifford Boyd Cowen Sr. and Lillie Bell Johnson Cowen. He was the fourth oldest of nine children born to this union. His family moved to Danville in 1958, where he attended the Danville School System.

Claudie loved singing, dancing, cooking, fishing and he loved to dress. (He was known for his colorful suits and hats.

Elder Cowen retired from Wendy’s after more than 30 years of service. He used his job as a platform for ministry as he would sing to the older regulars and tell everybody about the Lord.

He was a member of New Hope #3 COGIC under the pastorate of his brother Frederick L. Cowen. He also over the years had been a member of Mount Olive Baptist Church, (Mountain Top Singers) Mason Temple COGIC and Victory Temple COGIC. He was a member of Greater Hope District under 2nd Adm. Assistant Charles O. Nash, District Missionary Eloris Nash and Illinois Central Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction under Bishop Designate Andrel V. Newbon, State Supervisor Barbara Gillespie Washington, Elder Cowen touched many lives in and out of the church world.

He was previously married to Joyce Cowen-Robinson and Delmarra (Penny) Cox Cowen.

He leaves to cherish his precious memories his children; biological daughter Claudia Cowen and daughters in Love, Vivian Williams-Hutto and Tishele Williams, grandchildren Aryan Wilkins, Asia Cowen and Christopher Cowen, a great grandchild Kahila Thomas. Brothers Clifford B. Cowen Jr. (Varence), Frederick L. Cowen (Marilyn), sisters Martha A. Cowen of Stone Mountain, Ga, and Angerine Enoex (Mitch) of Compton, Ca., A special Aunt, Berniece Johnson and a host of nieces and nephews, cousins and his best friend and fishing partner, Reginald Thompson of Texas and many other friends.

He was preceded in death by his Parents, infant son, sisters Lillianteen, Mary Alice (Wilbur Eugene) Ewing. Brothers, Calvin (Big Fist) Cowen Sr. and Edward Jerome (Chopper) Cowen.

A homegoing celebration will commence at 11:00 am Wednesday August 2, 2023 at New Life Church of Faith 1419 N. Bowman Ave., Danville. Eulogist: Elder Frederick Cowen. A visitation will begin at 10:00 am until the time of the service. 

A public viewing will be held on August 1, 2023 at Leek & Sons Funeral 304 E. Williams St., Danville from 1:00 pm until 5:00 pm. 

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