Rebecca Cowart Haines, 78, of Athens, Alabama, passed away peacefully in her home on April 26, 2026, surrounded by her family. The family will have a private service. Norwood-Wyatt Chapel will be directing the service.

Becky was born on July 13, 1947, in Athens, Alabama, to the late James Lanier Cowart and Ruth Sandlin Cowart. She graduated from Athens High School and then pursued her bachelor of arts in English from the University of Alabama as well as a master’s degree in English from the University of Alabama. Becky had a fulfilling career as a professor of English with the lion’s share of tenure at Calhoun Community College in Decatur/Tanner, Alabama. After a brief retirement interval, she later returned to her alma mater at the University as an adjunct English professor where she enjoyed teaching literature, especially Mark Twain, in which she was a specialist. While many of her students considered her to be "strict or hard,” Becky went into great detail, usually in red ink, to explain what they did wrong and how they could improve themselves. Any student that took her class, and put forth effort, usually completed the class a changed person.

Outside of her career, Becky had such a deep love for family and especially a love of the sporting activities of her son and grandchildren. She also loved any sport or musical event involving the University of Alabama. Perhaps her greatest passion involved that of music. Her father, Mr. Cowart, was the band director of the Athens High School band and led a storied career in music, and Becky followed suit with her musical talents on the clarinet and piano. In her home crowds would gather and sing along as Becky sang and played hits like “What’d I Say” by Ray Charles, “Runaway” by Del Shannon, or “Puff the Magic Dragon” by Peter, Paul, and Mary. Of course, growing up in the church she was also very familiar with all the spiritual hymns as she was a classically trained pianist.

Becky is survived by her loving son, Dr. James Mason Corder, III (Janet); three grandchildren Lucy, Molly, and Mason Corder; her sisters Sallie Cowart Brock (Macon) and Cindy Sands; her nieces and nephews including Bonnie Brock Trulove (Tim), Mac Brock (Katie), Cabal Orton, and Logan Orton (Layla).

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made either to the Lewis and Faye Manderson Cancer Center at 809 University Blvd. E., Tuscaloosa, Al 35401 or Athens First Methodist Church, PO Box 978 Athens, Al 35612.