Isaiah "Uncle Son" McGown

Mr. Isaiah McGown 73, affectionately known as “Sonny Boy, Uncle Son, and Son,” has departed his life on June 16, 2024, at home.   

Isaiah was born on August 6, 1950, to the late Willie McGown Sr., and Corine Payne-McGown in Hughes, Arkansas. In 1972, Isaiah, along with his parents and only aunt moved to Benton Harbor Michigan to be with his sister Clara Swift. Shortly after, his sister Lowretter Freeman-Berry reunited with them to complete their reunion.  He was married to the late Mary Sue Walker McGowan, until her passing 2007.  

Isaiah was educated at The Enterprise School for the Blind, Little Rock, Arkansas, where he and his brother Willie Jr., also learned braille and musical instruments.  He was baptized at early age and later rededicated his Christian faith at Highland Seventh Day Adventist Church under the leadership of Pastor Robert Douglas.

Isaiah had a passion for all types of music, Gospel singing group the Mighty Cloud of Joy, and especially Rhythm & Blues Artists, “Clarence Carter, BB King, The Temptation, O’Jays, Bobby Womack, Johnnie Taylor, Tyrone Davis, Ray Charles, Michael Jackson and Otis Redding” are just a few musicians that made his list. Isaiah and his brother Willie Jr., formed a group and made a beautiful record. He had a passion for playing the harmonica, and making hambone beats on his knees, while performing for his family and friends until his passing. Everyone who met Isaiah could not believe he was blind.  They would question his family members about his blindness.  There was never a dull moment when in his presence. We will forever cherish his presence and gifted talents.  Isaiah was famous for telling his hilarious and funny jokes to those whom he met.

Isaiah, was married to the late Mary Sue Walker- McGown and the love of his life for over 25 years before her passing. He leaves to cherish his memories: two loving sons, Michael McGowan, Muskegon Heights, Michigan and Donate McGowan, Kalamazoo, Michigan. Two Sisters; Clara Swift of Benton Harbor, Michigan, and Lowretter Berry of Alexander, Arkansas. Five Granddaughters, Dominique Ollis, Mary McGowan, Adrianna McGowan, Clara McGowan, and Victoria McGowan all of Kalamazoo, Michigan. One grandson, Stephen Simpson. Eight great-grandchildren; Don’Tavious O’ Day, Serenity Ollis-Randol, August McGowan, Promise O’day, Emerysn Ollis-Randol, D’Angelo Leonard, Lailani O’Day, and Julianna Leonard.

Eight nieces: Betty Joe Davis-Carter, Carla (Jeryle) Jones Sr., Elois Cotton, Glenda Swift, Annette (John) Sanders, Wanda (Michael) Swift-Horne, Faye Walker, nephews; William E. Swift Jr, Ricky D. Freeman, Charles Lee Davis, and Terry Davis. Two sister- in-laws; Bonnie Jean (Frank) Braziel, Claudie Robinson. A host of grand and great-nieces and nephews.  A Special friend/bonus brother Frank “Roger” Miller and bonus sister Bernice Brown-Bell.     

Isaiah was preceded in death by his late wife: Mary Sue Walker-McGowan, parents Willie McGown Sr., and Corine Payne McGown, one son: Willie McGown, two brothers: Billy Charles “BC” McGown, Willie McGown Jr., Aunt: Marie Brown, Cousin: Ivory McGown, Nephews: Bobby D. Swift, and Ricky Lee Davis. Mother-n-law, Eddie Mae Walker, Father-in-law George Walker Sr. Three Sister-in-law; Georgia Mae Johnson, Dorothy Nelson, Mamie Johnson, Shirley Walker and one brother-in-law George Walker “Junior” Walker, and a host of other relatives.         

The McGown’s family extends their heartfelt by thanking all for your kindness and the love shown to us on the passing for Isaiah McGown.

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