Felicia McGowan

Felicia McGowan was born in Bessemer, Alabama on June 2, 1946 to Ray and Bernice McGowan. Felicia was one of six siblings: Annette Ware, Emmit McGowan, Doris McGowan, Jimmy McGowan, and Benny McGowan.

Matthew 25:35-40
35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

Felicia never met a stranger. Even when she moved from Alabama to Detroit at the age of 18, she quickly cultivated many meaningful relationships. Most notably, she gave birth to her only daughter Dacia, affectionately known as Molly. The relationships that Felicia made with the Hines, Gaines, Loftons, and Eddings, would be the relationships that would carry both Dacia and her daughters into adulthood.
Felicia worked for Dr. Robert E. L. Perkins, DDS as an oral surgery assistant from the age of 19 until his retirement in 1994. He was the first black oral surgeon in Michigan. During her time with Dr. Perkins, she made a habit of getting to know patients.

Felicia made an impact in every neighborhood she lived in. On Parkside she quickly became known as “Mama Felicia” as she provided clothing, wisdom and childcare to neighbors, most notably the Doris family. More than anything, Felicia loved to cook. She was known for her macaroni and cheese, sweet potatoes pies, lemon meringue pies, homemade BBQ sauce, fried chicken and homemade rolls. Whenever she cooked, there was always enough to feed the neighborhood.

Felicia was known for her hugs and kisses. She greeted everyone with a hug and kiss that they could never forget. Felicia was a true comforter, aiding anyone who was sick or in need of affection. When she moved to Imperial Suites Senior Community, she quickly gravitated to the role of the “hugger.”

Matthew 25:23
‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’

You cannot talk about Felicia McGowan without talking about Ebenezer AME. Jokingly, her family loves to say that she has been part of the church for 100 years. Felicia spent her time at Ebenezer as a true servant at Vacation Bible study, an usher, and served in the kitchen. It was her compassion and comforting presence that made her successful at not only ushering in the spirit but serving at home going services. Ebenezer was more than a church, it was her family. She held special relationships with Ms. Ida Armour (also known as Ms. Ida Mae), Ms. Jesse Snovall, and Rev. Amelia Dorche.

2 Timothy 4:7-8
7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

Felicia was called home to be with the Lord on Friday, January 22, 2021.. We truly believe that Felicia is dressed in all white, ushering in the angels. While her presence will be missed, we rejoice because she has received what she always wanted: the crown of glory.