Catherine Elizabeth "Beth" Coward

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Dr. Catherine Elizabeth (Beth) Coward, 59, of Fairhope, AL, passed away on September 3, 2020, at UAB Hospital. Beth Coward was born in 1961 in Mobile to James and Stella Coward. She was raised in Picayune, MS, and graduated from Picayune Memorial High School in 1980. Beth earned her Bachelor of Science degree at Mississippi State University in 1984, where she was a member of Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society. She was a member of Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society and earned her Doctor of Medicine degree at the University Of Mississippi School Of Medicine in 1988. Beth completed her Ophthalmology Residency in 1992 and a Fellowship in Oculoplastics at University of Mississippi Medical Center in 1993. Dr. Coward practiced Ophthalmology and Oculoplastics in Foley beginning in 1994 and was one of the first female surgeons in Baldwin County. Beth was Board Certified Ophthalmologist and active in the Baldwin County Medical Society. She was a member of the New Orleans Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Dr. Coward was known to her colleagues, residents, nurses and patients as a compassionate, caring and 'talkative' physician with a great sense of humor. Beth served as past president of the Optimist Club of Foley and served on the board for the Community Services for Vision Rehabilitation. A consummate caretaker, Beth was passionate about her family, friends and patients-who she treated like family. She was an avid gardener, bargain hunter, and collector of unique, fun home furnishings. She enjoyed refinishing and upholstering furniture, fashion, and making jewelry-including countless necklaces, bracelets and pins for friends, relatives and patients. Survivors include her mother Stella Coward of Fairhope, two brothers, Timothy Coward of Fairhope, Dr. Joseph (Darcy) Coward of Mesa, CO, a niece and two nephews. A private interment ceremony was held at Montrose Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be directed to either: South Baldwin Education Foundation, c/o Foley Optimist Club, Dr. Beth Coward, PO Box 1353, Foley, AL 36536 Community Services for Vision Rehabilitation, 600 BelAir Boulevard, Suite 110, Mobile, AL 36606