Martha Cowan

Martha Ida Cowan, 73, of Beaufort, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 3, 2025, at MUSC Medical Center in Charleston, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on November 14, 1951, in Columbia, SC, Martha was the daughter of the late Duffie Lee Smith, Sr. and Clara Belle Hutchinson Smith. She lived a life of deep compassion, selfless service, and quiet strength; qualities that shaped her both as a caregiver and a beloved presence in her community.

Martha was a lifelong nurse, earning both her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Nursing and going on to become a Certified Nephrology Nurse. Throughout her career, she wore many hats; working in the ER, labor and delivery, open-heart surgery, and later dedicating herself to educating others in nephrology and dialysis at Fresenius, where she retired in 2014. Her calm confidence and warm heart touched countless patients and colleagues alike.

But nursing was just one way Martha cared for the world around her. She was deeply involved in the Beaufort community, always generous with her time and talents. She served faithfully as Treasurer for both the local Lions Club and the Quilting Guild, and lent her voice and vision to the boards of the Port Royal Historic Society and the Beaufort City Department of Disability and Special Needs. At St. John's Lutheran Church, her spiritual home. Martha found great joy in service, especially when it came to feeding the congregation, something she did with both love and laughter.

Outside of her many roles, Martha was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, James Harold Cowan III, in 2019. She is survived by her son, James Brian Cowan; her grandson, Stacy Brian “LB” Cowan; and her sister, Kathy Harrison. She will also be missed by countless friends and community members who were lucky enough to know her warmth, her wisdom, and her no-nonsense sense of humor.

A visitation for Martha will be held on Monday, August 11, 2025, at St. John’s Lutheran Church from 11:30 AM until 12:30 PM, followed by funeral services beginning at 12:30 PM. Burial will take place at Beaufort National Cemetery at 2:00 PM, where she will be laid to rest beside her husband.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Martha’s memory to a local charity of your choice, especially those supporting nursing, historic preservation, or community service.

Martha lived a full and giving life, not loudly, but meaningfully. She leaves behind a legacy of care, commitment, and community that will be felt for years to come.