Helen Yvonne Grain Cowles entered eternal rest on February 25, 2025, in Atlanta, GA. Born on August 19, 1947, in Surry, VA, to the late Emanuel “Sparky” and Georgetta Savage Grain, she grew up with a love of learning and a strong sense of purpose.
She was part of the Surry County school boycott for equal education, attending fourth grade in Brooklyn, NY, before returning home and later graduating from L.P. Jackson High School in 1964. She continued her studies at Virginia State University, earning both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree.
In 1966, Yvonne married Gene A. “Baldy” Cowles, Sr., and together, they built a home filled with love, faith, and service. A woman of deep faith, she was baptized at 11 at the Apostolic Church of Jesus in Surry, VA. She remained a dedicated member of First Baptist Church Denbigh, serving as a Trustee, Usher, and leader of the Food Service and Mary J. Tillerson Senior Citizens ministries. Faith was the foundation of Yvonne’s life. She remained devoted to her church even after relocating to Georgia in 2021, where she continued attending services virtually, never wavering in her commitment.
Yvonne was a dedicated educator for over 30 years, she taught in Charles City County and later at Hampton and Bethel High Schools. She also worked for the Hampton Clerk of Courts. A natural mentor, she commanded respect with her firm but loving guidance.
Her passion for service extended beyond the classroom and church. She became a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, Williamsburg Alumnae Chapter in 1983, and served as Chapter President from 1987 to 1991. A proud Golden Life member, she remained active in the Stone Mountain-Lithonia Alumnae Chapter- Lithonia, Georgia. She also led the Newport News-Hampton Section of The National Council of Negro Women, Inc., as President and later as Parliamentarian.
Beyond her many roles, Yvonne will be remembered for her sharp wit, direct wisdom, and deep love for family. She found joy in sewing, traveling, playing Bingo and Bid Whist, and welcoming everyone with open arms— whether they were family by blood or by bond.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Gene “Baldy” Cowles, Sr.; stepdaughter, Wanda Blackburn; and brother, James “Jimmy” Grain. She leaves to cherish her memory her children, Gene A. Cowles, Jr. (Tiffany), Gene A. Taylor (Donna), and Geneé Haynes (Dexter); grandchildren, Nicole, Jonathan, Gene, and Nick; siblings, Emanuel Grain, Jr. (Shereal), Milford Grain, and Lucy Grain; along with a host of family and friends who will forever carry her legacy in their hearts.
