Rev. Gary Jerome Cowart

Reverend Gary Jerome Cowart was born on December 25,1961 in Pompano Beach, Florida to the late Annie Smith and the late Robert Cowart. He was affectionally known as “Jerome” to his family and friends.

Jerome was educated in the Burke County School System through the 11th Grade. His love of music piqued his interest in band. He was a proud member (saxophonist) of the “Waynesboro High School Purple Hurricane Marching Band”. His senior year he moved to Glastonbury, Connecticut to complete his high school education. He attended Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia and graduated from Georgia Military College with an associate’s degree in computer science. Jerome had a great love and skill at cooking and worked in various restaurants in his early years. His love of cooking enabled him to cater events, cook for church functions and countless family dinners for those he loved. Jerome also spent many years working with troubled youth at Broken Shackle Ranch in Washington County, Georgia.

Jerome met his wife, Michelle, in 2006 and they married on March 31, 2007. This union gave him the opportunity to take on the great role of father to Marcus. On May 25, 2010, they welcomed Andrew. Jerome loved his wife and boys and spent much time traveling for fun and attending the boy’s sporting events and activities.

Jerome heard the calling to ministry and was licensed at Forest Hill Baptist Church, Keysville, Georgia in 2007 by Reverend Sylvester Nabritt. He was ordained in March 2013 by Reverend Larry Boyd (Forest Hill Baptist Church) where he served as Son of the House. In addition to his service at Forest Hill, Jerome was also active at Clark Grove Baptist Church, Martinez, Georgia under the leadership of Senior Pastor Dr. Reverend Marcella Glover. At Clark Grove, he served as Senior Associate Pastor with oversight. He was also active in the Transportation and Culinary Ministries. Jerome was active in the choir, “Anointed Voices of Praise”, lending his voice and serving as President before illness impacted his ability to serve.

Gary had a great love for people and service. He helped and reached many people on the job and in his role in the ministry. His love language was service and giving of himself.

In 2006 Jerome began a career in the nuclear industry at Southern Company’s Plant Vogtle, Waynesboro, Georgia. After18 years of service he retired in 2024 as a System’s Operator. After leaving Plant Vogtle, he gained a second wind at Augusta State University’s Vascular Biology Center as an Office Specialist.

Jerome is survived by his wife, Michelle Cowart; sons, Marcus Sims and Andrew Cowart; brother, Darrell Smith; sisters, Marian (Allen) Jackson, LaTasha Jackson, Vonetta (Dan) Parham and Radeta Smith; aunts, Bessie Berrian, Mary (Charles) Bennett and Sidney Johnson; uncle, Willie Young, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his mother, Annie Smith; father, Robert Cowart; sister, Jacquelyn Johnson and brother, Willie Cowart.

His presence will be missed, but his legacy and memory will remain with all who knew him.

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