Iola Cowans, 86, home health aide, a long time resident of Okmulgee, OK; transitioned into her heavenly home, Wednesday, August 19, 2015 in Grace Living Center, Jenks, OK.

For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. Psalm 84:10

For more than four decades, Iola Lang Cowans was a living example of this scripture as she served on the Usher Board of Cleaves Memorial C.M.E. Church. She provided strong leadership for the board and was always gracious and smiling as she greeted and welcomed those who entered the sanctuary.

Iola loved the church. In addition to fulfilling her purpose and passion for service as an usher, she fully supported all ministries of Cleaves: the Board of Christian Education, Missionary Society and the Senior Choir where she served as president for many years. When she was not ushering, she was in the choir singing.

Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.
Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations. Psalm 100

Her appreciation of the importance of music ministry is shown in the encouragement and development she provided her children as they played piano and sang, growing up in Cleaves. Today her children honor her legacy as they use their musical gifts and talents in their local congregations.

Iola was preceded in death by her parents, Robert Sr. & Lula Sexton, husband, Amos Cowans, son, Charles Lang, Sr., four sisters, Mary White, Lucille Porter, Alberta Willis, and Sylvester Dickerson, and a brother, Robert Sexton, Jr.

She leaves to cherish her memory, four daughters, Gloria Jean (Eliyah (Wesley) Yisrael) Hargrove, Cincinnati, OH; Carolyn (Joe Wayne) Adamson, Dallas, TX; Mary Joe (Roger) Sullivan, Tulsa, OK; Deborah (Clifford) Cornwell, Okmulgee, OK; two sons, James Lang Jr. and Donald Ray Lang, both of Tulsa, OK; fourteen grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A Home Going Service will be conducted Saturday, August 29, 2015, 11:00 a.m., First United Methodist Church, 302 South Seminole Ave., Okmulgee, OK; with Rev. Thomas Henderson, eulogizing. Interment will follow in Northwest Cemetery.

Visitation will be Friday, 1:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

The family has been cared for by House of Winn Funeral Home.