Esther Peterman Cowart

Esther Peterman Cowart, 94, of Gulfport, died peacefully at home on June 25, 2015 surrounded by her family.
She was born on May 3, 1921. Her parents were Julius Henry and Mary Dean Peterman.
Esther was preceded in death by her husband, Chester D. Cowart; parents, Julius H. and Mary Dean Peterman; brothers, Julius Peterman, Homan Peterman, Pat Peterman, ""Johnny B"" Peterman, Richard (Richie) Peterman, Roy Peterman, and Carroll Peterman; and sisters, Alice Stewart and Ila Scott.
She is survived by her daughter, Chellie Cowart Modling and her son, Dean Cowart (Peggy); a sister, Mary Workman; a brother, Doug Peterman (Jean); her grandchildren, Suzanne Modling Fairley (Ricky), Lindsay Modling Freeman (Travis), Louie Modling (Sarah), Dale Cowart, Johnny Cowart, Tyler Clark and Sirela Escala; her great grandchildren, Austin Fairley, Trent Fairley, Brett Fairley, Deana Brosh, Colby Cowart, Paige Freeman, Truett Freeman; her great-great grandchildren, Ryleigh Elizabeth Fairley, Anniston Grace Brosh, Easton Brosh; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was a lifelong resident of Lyman, MS. Esther had eight brothers and three sisters. Many funny and amusing stories of their childhood have been enjoyed by the family over the years. From this wonderful family, the most important lessons learned -- by the children and grandchildren of her and her brothers and sisters---is that of honesty, loyalty, compassion, and integrity.
For all that knew Esther, they knew that she did not shy away from work. In fact, hard work was imbedded in her as a young child during the Depression. As her best friend, Chellie Lowery remembered, she watched Esther and her sister, Ila, as small children, tote bags of newspapers around Lyman to sell door to door---bags that their mother had knotted up on their shoulders so as not to drag the ground. Once those first bags of papers were sold, Esther and Ila would refill their bags and strike out again. The money they made was given to their mother in order to help the family. There is a saying, ""work as though you don't need the money"" and that fits Esther to a ""T."" She loved to stay busy. She loved to work.
Her work ethic started young and continued throughout her long life. While her husband, Chester Cowart, was serving in World War II, Esther worked at Sears Roebuck. After his return from war, they began building their house on a piece of land Esther bought while waiting for his return. There they began their family. She stayed home as housewife and mother until their children began school, then Esther began working again.
At that time she and her husband purchased the one and only store in Lyman in 1954, Cowart's Mercantile. Being the only store in the community, it was quite successful. Much to Chester's dismay though, Esther gave away as much as she sold. In addition to being the store owner, the post office was also located in the store where Esther served as postmistress. She was in her element while working in their store...she loved people and they loved her. Esther was very compassionate and generous and helped many people throughout the years. However, due to her husband's illness, they were forced to sell the store after many years.
Esther then began working for Riemann Funeral Homes' Burial Insurance Company. There she worked for over forty years---another job she cherished, in that it enabled her to travel and meet so many people throughout Harrison County. Thereafter, she worked for 16 years---until the age of 91---in the Harrison County School System. She retired from there but always had that desire to go back to work even though her health would not permit. However, there was one thing she refused to give up---she continued to do what she also loved most which was to maintain her yard with her trusty John Deere tractor mower. It was hard for people to believe that ""Mrs. Cowart is still mowing her yard"" during her 90's. She wanted no one else to do this. That was her domain alone. She did so until forced to stop, again, due to health issues.
She was loved by so many for her upbeat, happy attitude and her generosity will be missed by those who knew and loved her.
Her family would like to extend their gratitude to her physician, Dr. Virginia Blalock, Saad Hospice, particularly Vickie O'Bryant and Jo Ann Lizana for their presence, guidance and professional care for Esther during her illness.
A visitation will be held on Monday, June 29, 2015 from 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM at the RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 11280 Three Rivers Rd, Gulfport. The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, June 30, 2015 at 11:00 AM at the funeral home chapel. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery, Gulfport.
An online obituary may be viewed and memories shared at www.riemannfamily.com.