Robert L Cowell Jr.

Deacon Robert Lee Cowell, Jr., affectionately known as "Bobby," was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend to many. On October 31, 2024, he was called from labor to reward, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and service.

Bobby was born on July 6, 1951, in South Hampton, NY, to the late Robert Cowell Sr. and Pauline Cowell. From a young age, Bobby was a light to his family, always known for his respectful, quiet nature and dependability. He was baptized at the age of 10 at New Shiloh Baptist Church in Shawboro, NC, and was an active member of the church. He was blessed with two additional mother figures: his grandmother, whom he called “Momma Sophie”, and his aunt, Carrie, whom he called "Ty."

Bobby graduated from Marion Anderson High School in Belcross, NC, in 1969, before relocating to New Jersey in 1970, where he married his high school sweetheart, Sandra Adkins. Their union was blessed with a daughter, Keisha, and Bobby took great pride in his role as a father and grandfather. 

Bobby’s commitment to his faith was unwavering. He joined New Hope Missionary Baptist Church on December 31, 1997. Bobby taught the New Members Class, was a member of the Trustee Board, Seasoned Seniors Ministry and sang with the Male Chorus. He was ordained as a deacon on July 29, 2001. He was appointed as Chairman of the Deacon Board in 2012, a role he held until his passing. In addition to serving on the board of New Hope ETC (Educate the Child), he was always ready to lend a hand wherever needed in ministry. Bobby loved gospel music and enjoyed singing with the Royal Silvertones and listening to the Canton Spirituals. One of his favorite songs was "Clean Up What I Messed Up," and his favorite scripture was John 1:1.

Bobby was an employee at AT&T for over 35 years in management before retiring. After retiring he held a position with the New Jersey Turnpike. He also worked as a chauffeur at a local limousine company for several years. In 2012, Bobby married Delain Gantt, and they shared a joyful and fulfilling life together until his passing. After his retirement, he devoted his time to staying active through regular workouts at his local gym, helping his family, and serving the members and community of New Hope. He cherished traveling with Delain and enjoyed spending quiet moments together on their front porch and rooting for his favorite team, the NY Giants.  

Though he lived in New Jersey for many years, Bobby’s heart remained firmly rooted in his hometown of Shawboro, NC, where he loved visiting family and reconnecting with his southern roots. He was a fan of good southern food, especially fried chicken, rabbit, and smoked country ham with biscuits and gravy. He also had a soft spot for Dunkin' Donuts coffee, Brisk iced tea, honey buns and ShopRite sales—always stocking up when his favorite items were on sale.

Bobby was a member of King Solomon Lodge #1 in Jersey City, NJ, and he knew just about everyone in his community. He was a familiar and friendly face wherever he went, and his genuine warmth and kindness touched all who crossed his path.

Bobby was preceded in death by his grandmother, Sophia Jones; his parents, Robert Lee Cowell, Sr. and Pauline Cowell;  two brothers, Terral Cowell and Anthony Cowell; and his goddaughter, Stephanie Smith.

He leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion that will be cherished by his wife, Delain Y. Cowell of Somerville, NJ; son, Anthony White of Elizabeth City, NC; daughter, Keisha M. Cowell of Somerset, NJ; bonus daughter, Ebony N. (Bruce) Callands  of Newport News, VA; bonus granddaughter, Eva K. Callands; two sisters, Pamela Darby of Crawfordsville, IN, and Marsha E. Cowell of Brooklyn, NY; two sisters-in-law, Patricia Gantt of Lawrenceville, NJ and Katherine Gantt of Ewing, NJ; brother-in-law Wallace Gantt, Jr. of Somerville, NJ; two longtime friends Frederick "Joe" Q. (Marcia) Smith  of Newark, NJ, and Robert "Bob" E. (Shirley) Williams of Columbia, SC; a special cousin William L. (Brenda) Sawyer of Camden, NC; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Bobby’s presence will be deeply missed, but his memory and the love he shared with so many will live on forever in our hearts.