Joseph Bridgers Cowan

Joseph Bridgers Cowan of Webster, age 56, died on February 20, 2026. He was born January 12, 1970 in Atlanta, GA. Joe was a 1988 graduate of Sylva-Webster High School and went on to earn degrees from Brevard College and UNC Asheville.

He was preceded in death by his father, William. He was a beloved son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. He is survived by his mother, Charlotte Cowan, and brothers Chris Cowan (Julia) of Arvada, CO, Tim Cowan (Virginia) of Peoria, IL, and Scott Cowan of Mills River, NC. Uncle Joe also leaves behind four nephews: Will, Ethan, Henry, and Ryan Cowan; and one niece, Kate Lee.

Joe was a creative soul - a musician, poet, author and lover of the arts. In memory of Joe, donations can be made to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Western North Carolina, 356 Biltmore Avenue, Suite 207, Asheville, NC (namiwnc.org).