Susie Piper McGowan

Susie McGowan, age 66, passed away at home on Friday, January 3, 2025 after a valiant two-year battle with cancer. She was born in Springfield, IL on September 22, 1958 to the late Bill and Faydene Adkins Piper. 

Susie is survived by her loving husband, Jim McGowan Jr., Nunnelly, TN, beloved son, Ben (Barbie) Piper, Chapel Hill, TN, beloved granddaughter, Ally (Noah McGhar) Piper, Nashville, TN, beloved grandson, Andrew Piper, Knoxville, TN, step grandsons Carter and Colton Young, sister, Sharon “Bunky” Elmore, Chapel Hill, TN, brothers, Bill (Lesa) Piper, Franklin, TN, Perry (Julie) Piper, Signal Mountain, TN, nieces, Natalie (Drew) Bingham, Leigh (Josh) Orendorf, Bridgette (Steve) Sanders, Piper (Peyton) Wilson, nephews, Bill Reid (Sophie) Piper, Britt (Samantha) Elmore, great nephews, Luke Bingham, Henry Piper, Parker Orendorf, Brady Wilson, Thomas Elmore, great nieces, Emily Piper Bingham, Ella Piper, Lainey Piper, Paislee Piper Wilson (who affectionately called her “Grunt” for Great Aunt), Gentry Susanne Sanders and Kennedy Sanders. 

Susie spent the first ten years of her life in downstate Illinois, followed by three years in southeastern Minnesota. Her family having moved to Chapel Hill, TN in 1971, and Susie, having moved to Nunnelly when she married Jim, considered Tennessee home. 

She was a graduate of Forrest High School (Chapel Hill, TN), Columbia State Community College, Middle Tennessee State University and Nashville School of Law. She continued to be a lifelong learner. 

Prior to graduating from law school, she worked for local radio and television stations. Upon obtaining her law degree, she practiced juvenile law in Nashville, TN. In 2012, she became Hickman County’s Juvenile Youth Services Officer and retired from that position in March, 2023. Serving the best interests of disadvantaged youths was Susie’s professional passion. Susie loved being a lawyer: she cherished her law school classmates and she considered her Court family as part of her own. 

Susie was a sought-after photographer for family and friends, having taken many photographs for special family and friends’ events. She also enjoyed reading, current events, lively conversation and memes! Susie was an active member of First Baptist Church in Pinewood in Nunnelly, TN. Most of all, she relished spending time with all three generations of her loving family. 

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother-in-law, Kenneth Elmore (Bunky’s husband). She is also survived by numerous cousins, in-laws, many friends and former co-workers. 

For those who wish, the family is requesting donations be made to: Forrest High School Alumni Scholarship Fund in Memory of Susie Piper McGowan, P.O. Box 546, Chapel Hill, TN 37034. 

The family cordially invites relatives and friends to visit on Thursday, January 16, 2025 from four o’clock in the afternoon until seven o’clock in the evening at West Harpeth Funeral Home, 6962 Charlotte Pike in Nashville. There will be a Celebration of Life held the following day (Friday, January 17, 2025) also at the funeral home at twelve o’clock noon with visitation starting at ten o’clock in the morning. A private family burial will be held immediately following the service. 

An additional remembrance service for family and friends will also be held at Chapel Hill United Methodist Church in Chapel Hill, TN on Sunday, January 19, 2025 beginning at 5:00 p.m.

This obituary is complimentary from Lawrence Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 203 South Horton Parkway, Chapel Hill, TN 37034, (931)364-2233.