PRINCETON, INDIANA — Treecia Ann McGowan, 72, passed away peacefully on September 9, 2026, at Linda E. White Hospice House in Evansville, Indiana. She was born October 1, 1953, and was born and raised in Princeton, Indiana. In her final days, she was surrounded by family who stayed by her side and made sure she was never alone.
Treecia, lovingly known as Momma, was a funny, strong-willed woman who loved to laugh, listen to music, and watch wrestling. Wrestling was something she could watch nonstop. In her younger years, she enjoyed traveling and seeing different places.
Momma was a protector by nature, always looking out for her younger siblings and her children. She was stern, never afraid to speak her mind, and had a personality people will never forget. She loved her children and grandchildren fiercely and kept the pictures they drew for her and the things they made for her. She cherished those little things. No matter what, her children could do no wrong in her eyes. She was the best mother anyone could ask for.
Over the years, Momma worked various factory jobs and as a bartender. She also served as a crossing guard when her children were young. She was retired at the time of her passing.
She is survived by her children, Jeremy McGowan (Jodi) of Greensboro, North Carolina; Steve Whittler Jr. of Princeton, Indiana; Alma Whittler of Princeton, Indiana; and Susan Dougan of Mt. Carmel, Illinois.
She leaves behind her grandchildren, Joseph McGowan (Alexa) and Amanda Garcia (Oziel) of Greensboro, North Carolina; Corbyn Jenkins of Princeton, Indiana; Steven Whittler III of Frisco, Indiana; Thaddeus Young Jr. of Princeton, Indiana; Charisma Jenkins of Princeton, Indiana; Benjamin Woods of Mt. Vernon, Indiana; and CJ Dougan of Princeton, Indiana.
Her great-grandchildren are Aileen Jenkins of Patoka, Indiana; Isaac McGowan of Greensboro, North Carolina; Corbyn Jenkins Jr. of Patoka, Indiana; Maelani Jefferson of Princeton, Indiana; Ezra McGowan of Greensboro, North Carolina; and Memphis Jefferson of Princeton, Indiana.
She is also survived by her siblings, Sandra Robison (Jay) of Haubstadt; David McGowan Jr. (Bonnie) of Mackey; Cathy Sims of Tennessee; Faye Dorris (Gary) of Princeton, Indiana; Dean McGowan of Mackey; Tomi Jones of Elberfeld; Marlin McGowan (Pam) of Mississippi; Gene Burkhart (Patty) of Oakland City; Mark Burkhart (Cheryl) of Poseyville; and Nancy Runau of Princeton, Indiana.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Dave McGowan and Betty (McClure) McGowan; her stepmother, Thelma McGowan; and her siblings, Charles McGowan, Helen Lamey, Virgil McGowan, Wanda McGowan, Marlin Burkhart, Dale McGowan, and Bobby McGowan.
Momma came from a large family and leaves behind nearly 200 nieces and nephews, each with their own memories and stories of her that will live on.
The family will celebrate Momma’s life with family and friends at a later date following her cremation. Details will be announced when arrangements are made.
Though she is no longer with us, the love she gave, the lessons she taught, the memories she created, and the lives she touched will remain with her family forever. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.
Linda Spinicchia & Mike Jones says
To my friend Jeremy and his family…I am so very sorry for the loss of your mother, Treecia Ann McGowan. I didn’t have the privilege of knowing her personally, but reading about her life, and knowing the kind of person you are Jeremy, makes it clear to me what a remarkable woman she must have been.
Her strength, her humor, her fierce love for her family, and the way she protected and cherished those she cared about, all of that shines through in the legacy she leaves behind.
Jeremy, your kindness, your thoughtfulness, and the way you treat people with genuine respect speak volumes about the mother who raised you.
I hope you can feel surrounded by comfort in the days ahead, and I hope the memories of her laughter, her spirit, and her love bring you peace. Please know that your Allen Industries family is holding you and your loved ones close in our hearts.
Brandon Smith says
Every time I seen her she always had a hug for me . Some days those hugs were all I had . I loved those hugs and will miss her dearly Rip !