Valeta Mcgowan

Valeta Runette Chandler McGowan, age 75, passed away from respiratory failure on Friday, October15, 2010 in Bartow. Born December 21, 1934 in Hilton, Georgia, Mrs. McGowan was the daughter of the late Coy Lee and Glennie Chandler. Mrs. McGowan moved to Bartow as a young child at the age of 13. She was a 1951 graduate of Summerlin Institute. She also graduated from the Charity Hospital School of Nursing at New Orleans, Louisiana in 1956. Mrs. McGowan began her nursing career working for Bartow Memorial Hospital. From 1960 to 1971, Mrs. McGowan was employed by Pan American working as a Registered Nurse at the Cape Canaveral Space Center. Mrs. McGowan also was employed as a Nurse Practitioner with the Osceola County Health Department for 10 years. She is survived by her loving husband, Jesse L. McGowan, son Stephen M. McGowan of Vero Beach, sister Evelyn Acorn of Bartow, and brother Larry L. Chandler of Plant City. Arrangements are being handled by Whidden-McLean Funeral Home, 650 East Main Street in Bartow where the family will receive friends Wednesday, October 20th from 6pm to 8pm. Services for Mrs. McGowan will follow Thursday, October 21st at 10:00am at the funeral home chapel. Following the interment, the family will have a reception at the Acorn residence located at 175 East Valencia Court in Bartow. Memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to the American Cancer Society, 809 South Florida Ave., Lakeland, FL 33801.