Grace Ellen Fossey McGowan

Grace Ellen Fossey McGowan peacefully passed from this earthly realm on June 28, 2026 in Collierville, TN. She was 101 years old.

Born in Memphis, TN in 1924 to Elisabeth Jarrell Fossey of Humboldt TN and Dr. Herbert Fossey of Kent, England. Ellen spent much of her childhood following her mother’s music career to cities across the country. An accomplished opera singer and voice teacher, her mother accepted a teaching position at the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago allowing Ellen to take children’s classes at the Art Institute of Chicago during the winters. Summers–and later her teenage years–were spent in the home of her notable family in the small town of Humboldt, TN.

After high school, music scholarships enabled Ellen to attend Lambuth College in Jackson, TN and later return to Chicago as a student at the American Conservatory of Music. Ellen met her husband, Robert McGowan, Jr. while attending Lambuth College and married before he deployed to the European Theater with the 71st Division of Patton’s Third Army during World War II.

After Robert’s return from service, the couple bought a “farm” in Collierville, TN and soon welcomed their first child, Robert McGowan, III. Two years later a daughter, Beth McGowan, was born–the first girl born to the McGowan family in generations.

Finally able to pursue her lifelong love of art, Ellen completed undergraduate and graduate degrees in Fine Arts from The University of Memphis, then continued studies focused on sculpture at the Memphis College of Art. Summers were spent in study with renowned sculptor Bruno Lucchesi in Arizona and in Italy.

While considering herself a “City Mouse,” Ellen held a deep appreciation for the slower, simpler life she had experienced in more rural surroundings. For over four decades Ellen created intimate “genre” sculptures using clay she dug, processed, and fired in a salt kiln she built herself. In later years, Ellen branched into creating large display pieces in concrete and bronze. Some of her proudest career accomplishments were her series of figurines based on the childhood of Alex Haley, as well as busts of former Tennessee governors Ned Ray McWherter and John Wilder. Regionally, her works are on display at Christian Brothers University, the West Tennessee Regional Art Center, the Alex Haley Museum, and the Kroc Center Memphis, among others.

Ellen valued love, kindness, and respecting your neighbor. She had a unique way of making strangers walk away feeling as though they’d just met their best friend. And friends abound. Young and old, near and far, people were drawn to Ellen by her beauty, charm, intellect, and talent.

Ellen lived over a century of life to the fullest. She loved teaching art, music, and reading to her 2nd and 5th grade students at Collierville Elementary School. Many of those students still remember her as their favorite teacher. She often played piano for her community churches and helped establish a library in Perry County, TN. An avid traveler, she visited several countries and led tours to Greece. In her 90’s she and daughter Beth journeyed to the Isle of Gigha, Scotland in search of her family’s roots. At the age of 96, Ellen celebrated a final gallery exhibition in a joint collaboration with her photographer great-granddaughter, Jordan Moodie.

The motto “Family First” was so important to Ellen it was the first notation recorded when making her final arrangements. Before a love of music, before flowers, before travel, before art, she recorded her love of “Family First,” and every member of her family felt it.

For 76 years, her daughter Beth was blessed by the presence of her mother. Together they travelled the world. At times the two were so inseparable we lovingly referred to them as the “two-headed grandmonster.”

For over 50 years her granddaughters were fortunate to share in so many momentous, and ordinary days with her. And what an incredible privilege for her GREAT granddaughter to have her influence for 28 years! For over a century this tiny woman was the matriarch--the Queen Mother– of our small family. Those of us remaining earthside struggle to picture what life looks like without that constant presence we were fortunate to share for so very many years of our lives.

But we feel her presence in the beauty everywhere: Every hummingbird and butterfly fluttering, every flower that blooms, every creative endeavor holds her spirit. Fairies, and magic. The aroma of coffee, and Claire Burke Vapourri. Margaritas, and wine. The Nutcracker, and A Christmas Carol. We hold these memories dear.

Ellen was preceded in death by her husband of 72 years, Robert W. McGowan, Jr.; her son, Robert W. McGowan, III, a victim of Agent Orange exposure during service in Vietnam; and her daughter-in-law, Peggy Mahoney McGowan.

She is survived by her beloved daughter, Beth McGowan; her granddaughters, Laura Smith Moodie (Dan) and Rachel Smith Dobbs (Justin); great-granddaughter, Jordan Moodie; daughter-in-love, Annie Mahaffey; step-great-granddaughter, Emily Dobbs and step-great-great-grandson, Liam; and the countless friends whose lives were enriched by knowing her, and who cared deeply for her.

Following Ellen’s wishes, direct cremation has taken place and no public services will be held. The family has chosen to grieve privately, and appreciates your respect for the choices that are best for our family. We are grateful for your support and understanding during this time.

For those wishing to honor Ellen’s memory, it was her hope that owners of her work would consider donating pieces to the Ellen Fossey McGowan Collection at Christian Brothers University, established through the support and advocacy of Brother Robert Werle.

“To me, a universal unity and pattern underlie all human experience and all fragmentary moments and events of everyday life. Each person is in a distinct and private universe, surrounded by a space of mystery and imagination, yet united with all others through the depth and complexity of the human spirit.”

“Made of clay and dreams, I hope they (sculptures) reflect my genuine respect and affection for the people whose images are indelibly printed on my mind’s eye.”

–Ellen Fossey McGowan