Wanda Jean DeFries Cowell was born on August 25, 1925 in Bixby, Oklahoma to Roy and Gladys Stiles DeFries and Jean entered her eternal home on April 28, 2011. Jean was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Leon Cowell; one daughter, Beverly Cowell; one son, Larry Cowell; two sisters, Madeline Flescher and Jacqueline Gray; two brothers, J.D. and Leroy DeFries; and a nephew, Bob Lewis.

Jean is survived by one daughter, Rev. Connie J. Gibson and husband, Gary of Oklahoma City; two granddaughters Kristie Coggins, and husband, Joel of Tulsa; and Stacie Hickey, and husband, Brandon of Sayre; one great granddaughter, Kinley Hickey; several nieces and nephews, and other family members and friends.

Jean was a long-time resident of Bixby, graduating from Bixby High School in 1943 and living there most of her life. She married Leon Cowell in March 1945 and went to work at Leonard Funeral Home while Leon served in the military. When Leon returned home, he also began working at Leonard Funeral Home, which he eventually ran, and owned with Jean, serving Bixby and the surrounding area for 46 years. Jean graduated from Draughon's Business College and worked at McDonnell Douglas Aircraft as a secretary until she retired in 1981 to begin helping care for her granddaughters. Granny Jean was a long-time sports fan, supporting her husband, daughter, son-in-law and granddaughters, attending almost every basketball, softball and football game and track meet for many, many years. She loved to go fishing with Leon and was very gifted in crocheting, knitting, making Chrismons and many other crafts. She was a faithful member of the Bixby First United Methodist Church for almost all of her life.

Casket bearers are Joel Coggins, Brandon Hickey, Oman Guthrie, Gary Anderson, Charlie White and Eugene Conrad. Honorary bearer is Lloyd Pregler. Music will be provided by Tad Rhodes.