Mabel Madge Warren

Mabel Madge Warren peacefully passed away surrounded by family and love on August 27, 2019 in Niceville, FL. She will be remembered forever as our beloved mother, grandmother, sister and wife.  She is preceded in death by her husband John Richard Warren. Mabel is survived by her three children Barbara Anne Tucker, John Richard Warren Jr., and Mary Jane Cowen. She was blessed with nine grandchildren; Joseph Ryan Cowen, John Richard Warren Cowen and Emma Jane Cowen, Ashleigh Warren-Beck and her husband Rowan and Mallori Warren-Poe and her husband Matt, and Jennifer Jane Tucker, John Michael Tucker and wife Lindsey, Ashley Elizabeth Tucker and Christopher Tucker. She was blessed with four great grandchildren Landon Tucker and Alexander, Vivian and Addison Beck. 

Mabel was born in Holly Hill, FL on December 8, 1927 to Emma Jane Cowen and Max Martin. She had three siblings Bertram, Shirley and Ruth. Mabel had a love of gardening which she developed as a child while visiting with family members in Flat Creek, Florida (Gadsden County) and spending time on the family farms. She loved growing flowers and vegetables in her backyard garden.

She attended Berry College in Mount Berry, GA and transferred to Stetson University in DeLand, Florida where she met John Richard Warren of St. Pete, Florida, standing in the serving line.  He invited her to go to his Lambda Chi fraternity socials.  He was busy with studying and practicing the piano.  She had two jobs, one at the girl’s dormitory desk and as a sales person at Montgomery Wards in Daytona Beach on Saturdays. Richard and Mabel had a love of music which she developed as a child from her mother who loved playing the piano and church organ.  They were married at McIntosh Methodist Church on August 21, 1949, and the rest is history celebrating 60 years of marriage.

After receiving her Bachelor’s degree at Stetson, she furthered her education earning her Master’s degree at Florida State University. Mabel was a loving and supportive wife and taught school in various counties so “Dick” could pursue his career as Minister of Music, State Music Consultant and earning his Doctorate from FSU.  She was the glue that held the family together.  Mabel had a lengthy career as an elementary school educator and retired in her last position at Longwood Elementary School as a second grade teacher.  Mabel and Dick’s lives were dedicated to the church and many organizations that support the Arts.

Mabel and Dick choose to raise their family on the bayou in Niceville, Florida, in 1973.  As a resident of Niceville for 46 years she has made an impact on the twin city community.  She was an active member of First Baptist Church Valparaiso for many years and enjoyed the Christian fellowship of membership at First Baptist Church Niceville.  Her favorite thing was singing Baptist hymns, especially “Then Sings My Soul” book of hymns, and worshiping the Lord her Savior.

Her grandchildren knew her for her love and her letters and cards that covered family history and news. The grand children were delighted to receive a personal note, letter, or card from their grandmother.  Many memories were made during the summers at her home on Rocky Bayou.  She encouraged them to explore and try new things.  She had unconditional love for her family and friends.

A celebration of Mabel’s life will be held at Heritage Gardens funeral home in Niceville on Saturday at 10 am. A visitation with the family is planned prior to the service from 9am to 10 am.

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