Beatrice McGowan - Carter

Service Details

Funeral: Friday, November 29, 2019  11:00am

Visitation: Friday, November 29, 2019  10:00 – 11:00am

Location: St. Paul Baptist Church, 1123 Center St., Racine, WI

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Racine – Mrs. Beatrice (nee: McLain) McGowan – Carter affectionately known as “Ms. Bea” was born on July 2, 1928 in Enterprise, Mississippi to the late Bernice McLain.

She accepted Jesus Christ as her savior at an early age at Fellowship Baptist Church in Enterprise, MS.  She received her formal education in the Enterprise School District.

Ms. Bea was united in Holy Matrimony to the late James P. McGowan.  To this union four children were born James Douglas, Ernest Ray, Diann Faye, and Vivian Neal.  In 1957 they moved to Racine, Wisconsin and Ms. Bea became was a faithful member of Second Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Reverend Mack C. Davis.  She was a dedicated member of the Senior Choir.  She retired from the A-Center where she worked as a cook.

After the passing of her first husband, she was blessed to meet Mr. Clinton Carter.  They were united in marriage in 1987 in Laurel, MS and lived there until his passing in 2004.  Upon his passing Ms. Bea returned to Racine,  WI to reside with her children.  She united with St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Bishop Lawrence L. Kirby and was appointed to the Mother’s Board where she remained until God called her home.

Ms. Bea enjoyed spending time with her family and loved cooking for her family and friends. She always had a special love for all of her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and David Shields (her son-in-law’s brother).

Ms. Bea leaves to cherish her memories her three children, Ernest (Judy Duncan) McGowan, Diann Willis and Vivian (Michael) Shields all of Racine; 7 grandchildren Robey Mack, Preniss McGowan, James McGowen, Ernest McGowan, Rabena Alexander of Colorado Springs, CO, Kent Kirby of Madison, and Makenzie Shields.  Sisters Louise Hooks and Mary (Claude Hamilton) McLain of Racine, Uncle Billy (Mary Alice) McLain, and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and special friends Mrs. Merida Kirk-Griffith and Shelia Stewart.

She was preceded in death by her husbands James P. McGowan and Clinton Carter, son James D. McGowan, grandson Kenneth Kirby, Mother Bernice Leneair, brother James McLain, and sister Jeanette Griffin.

The Celebration of Her Life will be held on Friday, November 29, 2019 11:00am at St. Paul Baptist Church, 1123 Center St., Racine, WI.  Visitation will be held in the church from 10:00am until the time of service.  Interment will take place in Graceland Cemetery.