Juanita "Nita" Cowart

Juanita “Nita” Pearl Thames Cowart, 98, of Denham Springs, Louisiana, crossed over Jordan on April 15, 2026. She was known for her warm heart, gentle spirit, and unwavering love for her family. Nita touched the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her and she would tell you she loved you more.

Jaunita (Nita) was born on February 22, 1928, to parents Celia and Isra Thames, Sr. She grew up in Watson, Louisiana, where she attended Live Oak Church through her childhood. She went on to pursue a career as a secretary for Greenwell Springs Hospital.

In 1946, she married her loving husband, Lucius Ray Cowart, and they went on to share 37 years together. They had two wonderful children, Margaret Ann Cowart Gurney and Gordon Ray “Bubbie” Cowart.

Nita made a lasting impact in so many ways, but her favorite way of giving back was quilting with the members of her church to provide warmth and comfort to those in need. Even in her later years, her passion for sewing never ceased. She was doing the Lord’s work, as she would say.

Nita’s faith was the foundation of her life and a guiding light through every joy and challenge she faced. Her trust in God was unwavering, and it was evident in the love and compassion she showed to everyone around her.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Lucius Ray Cowart; her parents, Celia and Isra Thames, Sr.; her sisters, Ida Lee Thames Arbour, Mary Dell Thames Sanders, Julia “Elouise” Thames Williamson, and her brother, Isra Berlin Thames, Jr. She is also proceeded in death by her daughter, Margaret Ann Cowart Gurney, and her son, Gordon Ray “Bubbie” Cowart along with his wife, Brenda Rhodes Cowart.

She is survived by her brother, Beverly Ray Thames(Henrietta Thames); her son-in-law, Jesse Wayne Gurney. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Scotty Dwain Cowart (Glynnis Wiedemann), Lisa Broussard (Donnie Broussard), and Mandy Erwin Betz (Jeff Betz); her great-grandchildren, Megan Lane McDowell, Nicholas Dwain Cowart, Preston Caige Erwin, Michael Cade Cowart, and Reagan Paige Erwin; and lastly, her great-great grandchildren, Raeleigh Michelle Broussard and Waylon Micheal Broussard.

A graveside service will be held at Live Oak Church Cemetery on Saturday April 18, 2026 at 3:00 PM.