Charlotte McGowan's Obituary
A service to honor and celebrate the life of Charlotte Ann McGowan will be 1:00 p.m. Thursday, July 24, 2025 in the Chapel at South Tulsa Baptist Church. Family will receive friends from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday evening at Bixby-South Tulsa Funeral Service.
Charlotte Ann McGowan was born on April 17, 1943, in Sulphur, Oklahoma, to Delmer and Gladys (Magby) Cagle. She was raised in Sulphur and graduated from Sulphur High School before continuing her education at East Central College in Ada.
It was in Ada, by a stroke of fate, that Charlotte met Lyle McGowan while he was cruising down Main Street. After asking for her phone number, Lyle followed up with a call that led to their first date-and eventually to marriage just seven months later. The couple was united in marriage on August 4, 1962, in Charlotte's hometown.
While Lyle served in the military, Charlotte continued her studies in Accounting. After his discharge, the couple settled in Norman while Lyle attended the University of Oklahoma. Upon his graduation, they made their home in Tulsa. There, Charlotte worked as a bookkeeper in the oil and gas industry before choosing to devote herself fully to raising their family.
Charlotte had a deep appreciation for nature. She loved birdwatching-particularly bluebirds-and enjoyed tending her flower garden. Together, she and Lyle traveled extensively, creating many cherished memories both abroad and closer to home.
Described by those who knew her as generous, loving, and witty with a dry sense of humor, Charlotte's greatest joys came from her faith and her family. For more than twenty years, she and Lyle led "Good News Clubs" through the Northeast Chapter of Child Evangelism Fellowship, a ministry close to their hearts.
Charlotte passed away peacefully at home on July 19, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was 82.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Jerry Cagle.
Left to cherish her memory are her devoted husband of nearly 63 years, Lyle McGowan; her children: Teresa Nelson and husband Philip of Tontitown, Arkansas, Mike McGowan of Collinsville, Oklahoma, and Angela McGowan and husband Juan Canham of Oakland, California; her six grandchildren: Courtney Miller of Independence, Missouri, Hayden Linam of Siloam Springs, Arkansas, Cassandra Nelson of Overland Park, Kansas, Michael Chad McGowan, Jr. of Tulsa, Elizabeth Symonds of Claremore, and Kate McGowan of Collinsville; ten great-grandchildren; two brothers: Danny Cagle of Tulsa and David Cagle of Austin, Texas; and many extended family members and friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to a ministry dear to Charlotte's heart: Child Evangelism Fellowship of Oklahoma. cefneok.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Charlotte?
What’s a lesson you learned from Charlotte?
Share a story where Charlotte's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Charlotte you’ll never forget.
How did Charlotte make you smile?