Stowell passes away Jan. 8

Long-time New Orleans resident and native of Salado, Joe Ann Berry Stowell, died Jan. 8, 2007 after a long illness. She was 76.

Stowell graduated from the University of Houston summa cum laude in three years.
She moved to New Orleans to start her own secretarial pool. After marrying and bearing two children, she returned to her position as manager of the New Orleans law firm Tucker and Schonekas. During her tenure, the firm built a successful case against one of New Orleans’ most prominent organized crime figures.

Stowell was an avid sportswoman, and sang in the a capella group the Sweet Adelines.

She was a member of the board of trustees of St. George’s Episcopal School in New Orleans and was a member of the vestry at St. George’s Episcopal Church.

She and her husband moved to Salado following Hurricane Katrina. This marked a return to her birthplace after more than 50 years.

She is survived by her husband, Colles C. Stowell; daughter, Joni Carpenter; son Colles C. Stowell, Jr.; sisters Barbara Sewell and Marla Sanders; brother Sonny Berry; two granddaughters, Emily and Hannah Schwartz; and dozens of cousins, nieces, and nephews.

The funeral was held Jan. 20 at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Belton. Interment will occur in Lancaster, NH in the spring.