Maria Frances McGowen, 43, of Mt. Pleasant, SC entered into eternal rest on February 20, 2012. The relatives and friends of Maria McGowen are invited to attend her Memorial Service in Providence Baptist Church on Saturday, February 25, 2012 at 11:00 am. Burial will be private. Arrangements by J. HENRY STUHR MOUNT PLEASANT CHAPEL. The family will receive friends at the church after the service.

Maria was born on July 28, 1968 in Charlotte, North Carolina, beloved daughter of Sara Frances Jones McGowen and the late Lee Edward McGowen, Jr. She graduated from Wando High School and the University of Mississippi. She earned a Master of Arts Degree in History from Wake Forest University and pursuing her Doctoral Degree in History from the University of Delaware. Maria tirelessly cared for her parents during their periods of ill health, putting her education on hold. Although taking care of her mother took up most of her energy, she still found time to pursue one of her passions: politics. She participated in current events primarily through the internet, but was extremely passionate about her convictions. She loved her family and devoted her life to God. She will be deeply missed by friends and family, including a huge facebook following.

She is survived by her mother, Sara McGowen; her husband, brother, Brendan McGowen and his wife, Laura; an aunt and many cousins. She also leaves behind her two "feline" children – rescues, Huckleberry and Daniel. She was preceded in death by her father and brother, Michael McGowen.