Mary JoAnna McGowen, 85, passed away on July 20, 2013. In honor of Mary's wishes, friends are invited to join the family in remembering Mary and celebrating her life on Sunday, August 11, 2013 from 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. at the VFW Hall located at 1014 24th Street in Galveston, TX. Mary was born in Greenleaf, Kansas on September 18, 1927 to parents Dennis and Anne Nelson. She lived and worked in Galveston, TX for many years. Mary loved Galveston and has belonged to the VFW, Elks Lodge, and the Lions Club. She has been and active supporter of the Galveston Island Humane Society and the Ronald McDonald House in Galveston. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Myron W. McGowen, and her sisters Jeanette Mann and Nadine Nelson. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Kjiston and John Tillman of Groves, TX; her 3 grandchildren Melissa Ward and husband Jeff, Gary Tillman, and Kim Tillman; and 6 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister and brother-in-law Vicki and Ike Mathews of Houston, TX, her brother Charles Nelson of Kansas City, Missouri, and also 5 nieces and 4 nephews. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Galveston Island's Humane Society, 6814 Broadway, Galveston TX 77554 or online at www.galvestonhumane.org .