Mary Elizabeth Mccown

Mary Elizabeth McCown, 96, of Cartersville, GA passed away on May 19, 2024.

Mary was born & raised in Buffalo, New York and was an only child to William Sanderson Downard (Father) and Mary Lorena Downard (Mother). On March 3, 1951 she married William E. McCown of Anderson, SC and they resided in Pittsburgh, PA where she had 3 children, Linda (deceased 2023), Bruce (Ali) of Kennesaw, GA and Douglas of San Antonio, TX; grandchildren, Chelsea Wesche, Maggie McCown, William McCown, and Caleb McCown.

In 1978 she, Bill, and Douglas moved to Kennewick, WA for Bill to work at the Hanford Nuclear Area. Though a radical departure from life in big city Pittsburgh, within a few years she adjusted to the Eastern Washington high desert and began appreciating the beauty of the Northwest.

Mary enjoyed gardening and growing tomatoes and raspberries as well as visiting local orchards for fresh NW Cherries. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and actively participated in many church duties and activities. She was especially proud of being a Table Mom for a group of high school kids.

In her mid to late 50’s she joined a local dance group, “The Seasoned Steppers” and performed in many shows, parades and even on a cruise ship.

She enjoyed traveling in the Northwest, US and abroad but even more so after Bill’s cancer diagnosis. At Bill’s request she and Linda traveled the world after his passing. She and Linda developed a special bond which continued as Linda became her caretaker in 2020. They lived in Linda’s house in Springfield, IL.

After Linda’s passing in 2023, Mary moved to the Fite Living Center in Cartersville, Georgia to be close to Bruce and his family. Always outgoing, positive and fun-loving, Mary enjoyed people and social events. All who met her say she was very special and loved her dry sense of humor.

The family plans to have a small private memorial service and she will be later interred in Anderson, SC.