Martha Geneva “Genny” Gowen, 73, of Beech Island, SC, passed away at her home surrounded by her loving family on Friday, February 13, 2026. She was born in Brunswick, GA, on December 9, 1952, to the late John Earl Norris and Mattie Atha Wilkes Norris. Genny taught in the Charlton County School System for 35 years. She loved to travel and fish. She was a member of Folkston Methodist Church.
She is survived by her loving husband of 45 years: Ferris Glenn Gowen; daughters: Jessica (Heath) Rowan and Caitlin (David) Unkles; 6-grandchildren: Ashley Rowan, Aiden Rowan, Ethan Unkles, Jackson Unkles, Atha Unkles, and Genny Cait Unkles; brother: Larry (Barbara) Norris; nephew: Rod (Lorinda) Norris; and nieces: Ronda Herrin and Ronita Petroff.
A service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Folkston Methodist Church with Rev. David Unkles officiating. Burial will follow at Traders Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Agape Hospice, 204 Silver Bluff Road, Aiken, SC 29803 (phone: 803-226-0460)
