Zelma March

Zelma March, affectionately known to family and friends as “Ma,” was born on January 9, 1946, in Starr, South Carolina, to the late John Cowen and Dorothy Thornton Cowen. She peacefully entered eternal rest on January 12, 2026, at the age of 80.

Zelma was a woman whose life was defined by kindness, generosity, and the quiet gift of showing up for others. She carried herself with grace and consistency, offering her time, her presence, and her care without expectation or fanfare. To know Zelma was to know warmth, reliability, and a steady heart.

She had a deep love for community and fellowship. One of her greatest passions was bowling, and she was a devoted member of the Queensmen’s Bowling League, where she found joy in camaraderie, laughter, and friendly competition. Zelma was also actively connected to community organizations, including the American Legion, where service, unity, and mutual respect were deeply valued.

Family was the center of Zelma’s world. Thanksgiving at her home was more than an annual gathering—it was a sacred tradition. Her door was always open, her table always full, and her home was a place where family was reunited, bonds were strengthened, and love was shared freely.

Her love extended beyond people to her beloved dog, Lola, who was a constant companion and source of comfort. Lola held a special place in Zelma’s heart and brought her joy and companionship.

Zelma was preceded in death by her parents, John Cowen and Dorothy Thornton Cowen; her beloved daughter, Tiffany March; and her sister, Gwendolyn Claiborne.

She leaves to cherish her memory her devoted son, Marcel March; her grandsons Nathan March, William March, and Jared March; her granddaughter Deneenna Curry; her great-grandchildren Lorena March, Milani March, Iyana Alexis March, and Jaysohn Louis March; her brothers Paul Cowan and Monta Wood; her nieces Gwenshamere Claiborne and Melshamie Claiborne; nephew William Wood; extended family; dear friends; her bowling league family; and all those whose lives were touched by her gentle presence and giving heart.

When reflecting on Zelma’s life, may we remember her kindness, her willingness to give of her time, her devotion to family traditions, and her unwavering commitment to community. Her legacy lives on in every gathering she hosted, every hand she helped, and every heart she warmed.

Though she is no longer physically present, her spirit remains—guiding, comforting, and reminding us of the beauty found in simply caring for one another.

“God saw you getting weary, so He did what He thought was best.

He came and stood beside you and whispered, ‘Come home.’”

Psalm 23

A psalm of David.

1 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.

2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters,

3 He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.

4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley,[a]I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.