Rosalynde Gibson Cowdrey

Rosalynde Gibson Cowdrey, 83, daughter of the late William Nathan Gibson, Jr. and Amelia Vardell Maxwell Gibson, went to be with the Lord surrounded by her loving family on June 25, 2020. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, educator and Librarian, Rosalynde touched and transformed countless lives. Born in Red Springs, North Carolina, Rosalynde was a loving and caring person who truly cherished connections with others. At a very young age, Rosalynde appreciated and understood art, poetry, and cultures. Eventually, she developed a love for the French and English languages and began her college career as an English Major at Flora MacDonald College in Red Springs. She graduated with Honors from Flora MacDonald, achieving a Bachelor of Arts Degree. Rosalynde furthered her Education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, obtaining a Masters Degree in English and graduating with honors. After graduating from the University of North Carolina, Rosalynde travelled Europe spending time with family friends outside Hamburg, Germany.

Rosalynde began her professional career in Jacksonville, Florida, where she taught at Jacksonville University. During this time, she met and married the late David Arnold Cowdrey, with whom she had two children, William Arnold Cowdrey and Claire Vardell Cowdrey. Rosalynde continued teaching English and French at Bishop Kenny High School in Jacksonville, where she shared her enthusiasm for language and the arts with many young learners. Pursuing her love of literary education, Rosalynde later worked in the Library at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville. During this time, she returned to school and received a Masters Degree in Library Science from Florida State University in Tallahassee. Rosalynde began working for the Duval County School System at Nathan B. Forrest High School and Sandalwood High School and retired after a successful 20 year career. She is remembered by her students, friends and family with love and appreciation for her extraordinary skill as a teacher, counselor, mentor and friend.

Throughout life, Rosalynde greatly enjoyed the sports of basketball and tennis.  As basketball captain for Red Springs High School, an alum of the University of North Carolina Tar Heels, and a recreational tennis club member, she enjoyed watching with enthusiasm both sports throughout life and retirement. Rosalynde found solace in writing poetry, taking photographs and creating paintings for family members. Her summers were fondly spent at her family home in Red Springs, as well as Holden Beach, North Carolina. Both places were always filled with family, music, laughter, and conversation. She had cherished memories of good times spent there with her husband, son and daughter, grandchildren, friends, and extended family.

Rosalynde is survived by her son William Arnold Cowdrey of Jacksonville, Florida; her daughter Claire Cowdrey Ojeda and husband Orlando Ojeda of Riverdale, New York; grandchildren, David Gregory Ojeda and Catherine Amelia Ojeda; William Grady Marley, Jr. of Raleigh, North Carolina, husband of her late Sister Frances Amelia Gibson Marley, ​nephew William Grady Marley, III, and wife, Amy King Marley of Raleigh, North Carolina; nephew, Greer Stephens Marley, and wife, Rebecca Dawn Marley of Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina.

Graveside services for Mrs. Rosalynde Gibson Cowdrey will be Friday, October 9, 2020 at 11:00 am at Alloway Cemetery.