If it is true that “for anything to be good, truly good, there must be love in it,” then Angela Clay Gowen was good beyond measure. She was more than good—she was exceptional. She embodied love and she is deeply loved by so many.

Born April 1, 1970, on April Fool’s Day, Angie was no joke. She was a force of nature with a bold personality that radiated joy. Her smile lit up every room and her true genius was making every person she met feel seen, valued, and special. No matter who they were, she connected with them. She had a particular love for those others overlooked, because Angie truly saw people. She was incredibly funny and you always left her presence lighter than when you arrived.

For 31 years, Angie shaped the lives of hundreds of preschool and kindergarten students throughout Halifax County, including 28 years with the Roanoke Rapids Graded School District and three at Halifax Academy after retiring. She loved her students fiercely, building strong foundations for their success. As she did with everyone, she made them feel valued and special.

She had an incredibly quick wit and a gift for finding humor in everyday moments. Life with Angie was never dull—she brought laughter wherever she went. At home, her playful spirit filled even the simplest days with joy, creating memories her family will always carry with them.

While she hated clutter and was ruthless about letting go of things that no longer had a place in her home, she was the opposite with people. She was kind and compassionate, quick to forgive, and generous with grace, even when it wasn’t deserved. If you were part of her life, she stood by you, believed in you, and never once considered letting you go. She was the world’s biggest cheerleader, celebrating others’ joys as if they were her own.

Never one to stay in one place too long, Angie loved to travel. Whether it was trips with her girls, family vacations, weekends at the lake, 5Ks she took up later in life, or shopping excursions to her favorite places, she was always on the go. She loved many things and many people, but nothing was more important than her family.

Her first great love was her Daddy, Billy Clay. She was the apple of his eye and the two were kindred spirits. She was devastated to lose him 22 years ago and one can only imagine the joy of their reunion now.

Her Mama, Lou Ellen Clay Borrell, was her inspiration, teaching her to be resilient, brave, and strong, and to find joy and peace even in life’s hardest moments.

Susan was more than her sister; she was her best friend. For most of their lives, they lived just steps from each other, down the hall, down the street, or around the corner. They were inseparable, especially in the last year of Angie’s life as she battled cancer, serving as each other’s constant source of strength and support. Angie often said she could not have asked for a better sister or friend.

Rob came into her life in the sixth grade. What began as a skating rink romance grew into a love that spanned 45 years, including 32 years of marriage. He was and will always be her one true love. Together, they built a life grounded in deep affection, humor, and an unshakable bond. Angie kept Rob on his toes, a reflection of the warmth and ease that defined their life together. She was endlessly grateful for the family they created and the years they shared.

Their children, Jackson and Ellen, were the greatest joy of her life. She was so proud to be their mother and found immense happiness in watching them grow into kind, remarkable people. She was especially thankful to see them find love and build families of their own with Laurel and Neil.

Though her time with them was far too short, she leaves them knowing they are creating lives as beautiful and full as the one she cherished. She will be watching over them always, with a heart full of gratitude for the gift of being their mom.

The family will receive visitors at Askew Funeral and Cremation Services on Friday, April 10, 2026 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A private celebration of her life will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations in her honor may be made in support of Pancreatic Cancer Research:  https://pancan.org/ways-to-give/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23711494441&gbraid=0AA AAApuNv7GykseB46z79y0sHWVKqRMNS&gclid=Cj0KCQjwyr3OBhD0ARIsALlo-Okp8QOaRlJ 7vxzwBtPh02f6nuMuk35Bz7cCApzmX2dc5nd8EaMGsdsaAio0EALw_wcB