The Honorable Curtistene Smith McCowan of Desoto, Texas was born on February 25, 1948 to the parents of Mr. Riley H. Smith and Mrs. Blanche Williams Smith in Jefferson, Texas.

The Honorable McCowan was a history maker in many forms.  She first made history in 1990 as the first African American to be elected to a Desoto public office as a member of the DeSoto Independent School District Board of Trustees. She served on the school board for six years, two of those as the board's president.

In 2007, The Honorable McCowan made her mark on history again when Desoto ISD named a middle school after her, Curtistene S. McCowan Middle School.  Lastly, but far from being her least embarkment on history, The Honorable McCowan was elected as the first African American female to be elected as Mayor of the City of Desoto in 2016; and was re-elected in 2019.

She was a faithful member of Kirkwood Temple CME under the leadership of Pastor Jerry Christian.

She was a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated where she served as a past President.

The Honorable Curtistene Smith McCowan was a devoted wife to her husband, Leon and loving mother to their two sons, Danny and Leon.

She was a trailblazer who embodied change and her love for the Desoto community was felt and appreciated by anyone who knew her.

Her presence and her bright, glowing smile will be missed.