Mrs. Joanne Cowan Phifer, 74, of 446 Weathers Creek Road, Troutman, passed away at the Serenity Hospice House in Mooresville on Wednesday, January 6, 2016, following an extended illness. She was born in Iredell County on February 19, 1941, and was the daughter of Sherrill and Dorothy Westmoreland Cowan. She was united in marriage to Jordan "Pee Wee" Phifer, who preceded her in death on February 20, 2003.

She was a graduate of Unity High School Class of 1958, she received her business degree and graduated from Fayetteville Technical Community College where she received her Funeral Director's Degree. She was employed by Clyburn and Bigham Mortuary as a Funeral Director and Pre-need Agent, and was also associated with Rutledge and Bigham Funeral Home, Statesville, as a Funeral Director. She received her Funeral Director's License, was a member of the Piedmont District Funeral Directors Association, the FD&MA of NC and the National FD and MA, the Ladies Auxiliary of the FD&MA of NC; and served on various committees within the District and State Associations. She was a member of Shinnsville United Church of Christ serving on numerous committees throughout the years.

She leaves to cherish the memory of her life, two sons, Jordan Reece (Cynthia) Phifer and Sherman Eugene (NaTasha) Phifer, both of Statesville; two daughters, Gwen Audrey Phifer of Mooresville and Veedis (Ronnie) Brown of the home; three brothers, Richard (Ethel) Cowan, Clayton (Geneva) Cowan and Norris Cowan, all of Troutman; one sister, Rachael Sherrill of Troutman; ten grandchildren, Justin Mack, LaTasha (Keith) Sanders, Dianna Sloan, Teria (Damien) Walker, Alana C. White, Jordan Reece Phifer, III, Eric (Kiya) Phifer, Darrel Brown, Shanta Peterson, Rashawd Flippings and Maleek Flippins; thirteen great grandchildren, Braleigh Mack, Jamerson Mack, Zavier Sloan, Olivia Sloan, Justus Phifer, Shayla Phifer, Eric Phifer, Jr., Cameron Peterson, Christian Peterson, Christopher Peterson, Michael Privette, Emoni Clarke, and Mikayla Sanders; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, other relatives, church family, neighbors and dear friends.

Celebration of Life Services will be conducted Sunday, January 10, 2016, at 2:30 p.m. at Christian Outreach of the Piedmont. Rev. Betty Graves will officiate and burial will follow in the Shinnsville United Church of Christ Cemetery. She will remain at Clyburn and Bigham Mortuary, 168 West Statesville Avenue, Mooresville, where members of the family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., on Saturday, January 9, 2016. General Viewing will be held on Saturday at Clyburn and Bigham from 11:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. She will be placed in the church on Sunday at 1:30 p.m., and the family will receive friends at the church from 2:00 until 2:30 p.m.

Clyburn and Bigham Mortuary, Mooresville, is serving the family of Mrs. Joanne C. Phifer.

Visit the Book of Memories for Mrs. Phifer at www.clyburnandbigham.com or rutledgeandbigham.com.

Mrs. Phifer will remain at Rutledge and Bigham Funeral Home, Statesville, where a private family viewing will be held on Friday evening at 7:00 p.m