Was born on May 27, 1943, in Schulter Oklahoma, to parents, Johnnie Lee Cowans and Essie Mae (Bledsoe) Cowans. He was the fifth of 14 children. Claborn attended Dunbar high school and after which he joined the United States Army.

Clay moved to Denver Colorado where he met and married Eva Mae Young. To this Union were born two sons. He resided in Colorado for 30 years until his retirement from Denver Housing Company. He then returned back to Okmulgee Oklahoma.

Clay enjoyed life and had a passion for helping wherever he felt there was a need in the community. He founded an outreach program helping those struggling with Alcohol and drug addictions. He provided transportation to individuals for doctor's visits. He regularly visited those in Nursing Home facilities. He was once employed by Biglow Funeral Services, under the direction of Keith D. Biglow.

On October 27th, 1995, he married Charlotte Ann Stallings. He became known to the family lovingly as "Mr. Clay". The Cowans loved to travel. Be it visiting loved one's or a vacation get away, Clay enjoyed driving his wife to their destinations.

Clay loved to talk about the Lord and would tell all who would listen of how good God has been to him down through the years. Clay was a member of Greater New Faith Ministries under the leadership of Pastor Brian Stalling. Elder Clay would faithfully lead the GNFM Conference Pray call at 5:00 am on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. He would share an awesome testimony and pray a Holy Ghost filled prayer.

During Elder Clay's last week as he stared up at the ceiling sharing with his wife and son Darrel "I see Jesus Christ, he told me I was saved and in about a week I will be going home."

Elder Clays Words "We all are going to have to get up out of here one day, so make sure you are ready."

Elder Clay knew he was loved by his family as he displayed it with his heartfelt tears that rolled down his face during Family gatherings in his honor.

He is proceeded in death by his parents. Sons- Harold Cowans and Adam Stallings. siblings- Bertha Cowans, Lawrence Cowans, Lois Cowans, Earl Ray Cowans, Cleo Cowans, Wendell Cowans, Joe Harold Cowans, Robert Lee Love and Beverly Love.

He leaves to cherish his memories: Wife Charlotte Cowans, daughters - Lula Fields Tulsa Oklahoma, Denise Nelson, Virginia Martin Denver Co. Sons - Sean Cowans Denver Co, Darrell Ruff (Sheri) Okemah Ok, Rochelle Whitlock (Tony) Edmond Ok, Brian Stallings (Anita) Okmulgee Ok, Towanda Stallings, Oklahoma City Ok, Michael Stallings (Felicia) Beggs Ok. Siblings - Ola Mae Love Oklahoma City Ok, Larry Charles Cowans (Claudette) Okmulgee Ok, Otis Cowans (Joyce) Spencer Ok, Ramona Faye Love Okmulgee Ok, Sharon Marie Love Okmulgee Ok.

25 Grandchildren, 41 Great Grandchildren, 6 Great-Great Grandchildren. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Mr. Claborn "Clay" Cowans, after "Four-Score" years of life, surrendered his Soul on Saturday Morning, January 27, 2024 from Tulsa, Oklahoma.

You may visit Mr. Cowans, as he slumbers in peaceful repose in the Chapel of Peace of the Keith D. Biglow Funeral Directors, Inc., of Okmulgee on Friday, between the hours of 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM.

The Hour of Remembrance, as we say goodbye to Clay will commence at 3:00 PM on Saturday, February 3, 2024 in the most holy sanctuary of the Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 1800 North Miami Avenue, Okmulgee, Oklahoma.  Dr. Douglas Currington is the gracious host Pastor, Elder Jackie Jones will officiate and Pastor Brian Stallings give the Eulogy.

The Christian Committal will take place on Wednesday, February 7, 2024 at the Eleventh Hour in the Woodlawn Cemetery in Okmulgee, Oklahoma.