Valerie Cown

With deep love and sadness, we announce the passing of Valerie Whitfield Cown, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and cherished friend.

Valerie was known for her strength, grace, kindness, and unwavering love for her family. Her greatest joy was being with those she loved, especially her grandchildren, who affectionately called her “Nana.” She enjoyed creating meaningful moments with family and friends, whether that be in Athens, Georgia or Panama City Beach, Florida. She found happiness in cooking, traveling, and attending Pure Barre.

Valerie, a twenty-three-year survivor of pancreatic cancer, faced a later diagnosis of leukemia with the same courage and determination that defined her life. She remained hopeful, grateful, and focused on the people she loved. Valerie will be remembered for her generous heart, steadfast strength, and genuine care for others. Because of her gift for conversation, Valerie never met a stranger. Her life was a beautiful example of perseverance and love.

She is survived by her husband, Mel Cown, DVM, her children, Trae Cown, Candace Schmidt, and Collyn Sackett, her grandchildren, Will and Miller Schmidt, her brother, Tim Whitfield, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Leon and Norma Jean Whitfield, and her sister, Jeanne Eubanks.

A celebration of Valerie’s life will be held on Saturday, August 1, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Porcelain & Decorative Arts Museum at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia. Family and friends are invited to stop by at any time during the afternoon to enjoy food and refreshments, share stories, and celebrate the life of someone who meant so much to so many.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to University Cancer and Blood Center (UCBC) (https://cancerfoundationofnega.org/memorials) or UGA’s College of Family and Consumer Sciences (https://gail.uga.edu/commit?cat=school&subcat=family%20%26%20consumer%20sciences&des=90410000 ) in Valerie’s memory.