Josephine Latino Cowart

Josephine Latino Cowart, 82, of Tickfaw, Louisiana, passed away peacefully at Wallace R. Conerly Critical Care Hospital in Jackson, Mississippi, on Tuesday, September 1, 2026 after a courageous journey following the devastating injuries and illnesses she sustained in a tragic accident. She faced her journey with remarkable strength, grace, and unwavering courage. She was born on August 23, 1944, to John and Evelyn Latino in Natalbany, Louisiana. She was a graduate of Independence High School. She began her career at Hammond Developmental Center and devoted over 20 years of service until her retirement in January, 1996.

Josephine will be remembered for her loving heart, kind spirit, and deep devotion to her Catholic faith. She found happiness in life’s everyday moments and in the people she loved most. She enjoyed trips to the casino, where she could often be found trying her luck at the slots. She also had a love for bingo and was never intimidated by a full table of cards, often playing several at once with ease and enthusiasm. When she and her husband traveled, they especially enjoyed group trips, always cherishing the opportunity to spend time with others and meet new people.

Above all else, her greatest joy was her family. She took immense pride in her children, those whom she loved as her own, her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, and cherished every opportunity to love, encourage, and spoil them. She also treasured the simple, special moments shared with those closest to her, especially afternoon coffee with family, where they could share hopes for the future, reminisce about the past, and enjoy one another’s company. These moments of connection, conversation, and love were among the greatest treasures of her life.

Josephine leaves behind a lifetime of memories filled with life, love, and laughter. Though our hearts are broken by her passing, we find peace in knowing that her suffering has come to an end and that she is now reunited in Heaven with her beloved husband, together again for eternity.

She is preceded in death by her parents, John and Evelyn Latino; her brother, Alec Latino; and her husband, Sidney Douglas Cowart.

Mrs. Cowart is survived by Sidney Douglas Cowart III and his wife Daina of Ridgeland, MS, David Cowart and his wife Hope of Garden Ridge, TX, Paige Ropac and Susan Marshall Kliebert; her grandchildren, Ashton Cowart (Olivia Nixon), Brandon Nicholson (Angie), Peyton Cowart (Kelsey), Morgan Giacumakis (Bryce), Hunter Kliebert, and Holly Kliebert; her great grandchildren, Mason, Avery, Emmy, and Tatum; her sisters, Mary L. Parent and Lucy L. Sticker; her brother-in-law, Michael Sticker; her sisters-in-law, Thelma Herthum and Linda White (Rip); and her nieces, MaryAnn, Christy, and Katie; her great nieces and nephews; and cousins.

Family and friends will be received at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, 2000 N. Morrison Blvd, Hammond, Louisiana 70401 on Saturday, September 12, 2026 with a Rosary at 8:30 am and visitation until 10:30 am.

A Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Pompeii Catholic Church, 14450 Hwy 442, Tickfaw, Louisiana 70466 on Saturday at 11:00 am, with Fr. Michael Galea officiating.

Entombment will follow at Pompeii Cemetery in Tickfaw, Louisiana.

Following the entombment, everyone is invited to attend a Celebration of Life honoring both Mr. Sid and Ms. Josie at Our Lady of Pompeii Catholic Church Hall.

The families of Mrs. Josie would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the nurses, doctors, and entire hospital staff at UMMC who cared for her during her final stay. Thank you for treating her with such dignity, respect, and compassion. Your care will always be remembered and deeply appreciated. Dr. R. Moak and Dr. K. Dobbs, your professional guidance, compassionate care, and genuine empathy brought comfort to our family during an incredibly difficult time.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home and Crematory of Hammond and Ponchatoula. An on-line guest book is available at www.harrymckneely.com.