Jessie Pearl (Mims) Cowley

A Celebration of Life Service for Mrs. Jessie Pearl (Mims) Cowley, 77 of Suwanee, GA will be 11:00 am Saturday, April 27, 2024 at Westside Missionary Baptist Church in Decatur, Alabama with the Reverend Joe Jackson officiating and the Reverend Keenan Nichols, host pastor.  The body will lie in repose one hour prior to funeral service.  Inhumation will follow in Roselawn Garden of Memory.  The family will receive friends on Friday, April 26, 2024 from 4:00 pm to 6:00pm at Reynolds Funeral Home.

The private Zeta Phi Beta Sorority ritual for Triumphant Soror Jessie Pearl Mims Cowley will be held on Friday from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the funeral home. 

Deacon Jessie Pearl Mims Cowley was born November 13, 1946, to the late Frozena L. Wilson Mims and Marzett Mims in Prattville, Alabama. She departed this life on April 11, 2024 in Johns Creek, Georgia. Our beloved Mother was raised in a Christian home. She confessed Christ at a young age as her Lord and Savior.

She attended Autauga County Training School in Autaugaville, AL and graduated in 1964. She then enrolled in Alabama A&M University, and she was an active member of campus life. She enthusiastically became a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated in 1968. She also became a Sigma Sweetheart in 1969, and graduated from her illustrious alma mater, Alabama A&M University. After her graduation, she became a part of the workforce, and was soon swept off her feet by a handsome debonair gentleman by the name of Leroy Cowley, Jr. He looked at her from across the room and fell in love. True love at first sight. And when he tried to meet her, Mom said, “If you are interested, you will find me.” He set his posse to work and found his one and only love. They were united in holy matrimony on December 18, 1971. Out of this loving union they had two daughters, Karyn Cowley, MD and April Cowley, JD.

While living in Florence, AL with her family, Jessie Pearl was an upstanding member of the community; volunteering, raising money for just causes, attending fundraisers, and becoming a member of the Order of Eastern Star, Mizpath Grand Chapter of Alabama, Terry Chapter No. 599, Florence, Alabama. She helped and blessed many with her kindness and diligence.
Jessie Pearl was also blessed with an accomplished career in Education. She found joy and fulfillment being around family and children every day. She retired from Gwinnett County Schools System where she received accolades for her dedicated work.

Throughout her life, Jessie Pearl was always a good and faithful servant in Jesus Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to the Glory of God. While living in Huntsville, Al, Pearl and Leroy united with Union Chapel, and when they relocated to Florence, Al, they united with St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church where Pearl faithfully served in the choir, hospitality, special programs, and joyfully served where she was called. In 1992, Leroy and Jessie Pearl moved with their family to the Atlanta metro area. In Georgia, Pearl and Leroy united in Christian fellowship with Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church, Norcross, GA where they served for seven years. In 2002, the Lord guided Pearl and Leroy to unite with a new ministry as founding members, The Lord’s House Community Church, Norcross, GA. Pearl and Leroy were both ordained as deacons under the spiritual guidance of Pastor Joe Jackson. Through Jessie Pearl’s faithful service, she was appointed Chairman of the Deacon’s Ministry and Church Trustee. She also served as: Sunday School Superintendent; She served on Hospitality Team; She taught in Children's Church; She sang on the Praise Team; and at the request of Pastor Joe, she sang solos. One of her favorite songs was, “His Eye is on The Sparrow.” Jessie Pearl was committed and served devotedly in all ministries.
Jessie Pearl was loved by all who knew her.

She was kind, caring, helpful, nurturing, warm, thoughtful, a joy, funny, witty, fiery, courageous, strong, and joyful, “the sweetest person I ever met,” full of quiet grace and elegance.  She loved to cook, bake, feed people, sing, dance, travel, and children. She shined WHEREVER she went, and love followed her. She had such a love for people and impacted so many. We will all miss her. May we all live by her example and grace. A true definition of: A PEARL

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Leroy Cowley, Jr., parents; and two sisters, Marzetta Mims Rayand Betty Tyus.

Deacon Jessie Pearl Mims Cowley leaves to cherish her memory: two daughters, Karyn and April Cowley; three sisters, Cora Harris (Reverend Harris), Lauretta Johnson (Elton), Odesta Mims; two brothers, Deacon Donnie Mims (Theresa), Daniel Mims (Jackie); a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

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