Cowher family and friends gather for Kaye Cowher's funeral

Louisburg, N.C. — Bill Cowher, who played linebacker at North Carolina State University before winning a Super Bowl title as head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, was surrounded by close family and friends Monday as he entered the chapel to say a final goodbye to his wife and college sweetheart, Kaye Cowher.

Kaye Cowher lost her battle with skin cancer on Friday at the age of 54.

The funeral was held inside the Ransdell Chapel Baptist Church in Louisburg Monday morning. One of Kaye Cowher's sisters is a member of the church.

Dozens of people arrived at the small chapel to say goodbye to the former N.C. State graduate who was the foundation of her family and a devoted Wolfpack fan.

“That was the overriding theme,” said David Horning, N.C. State associate athletic director, who went to school with Bill and Kaye Cowher.

“Kaye devoted herself to so many things in so many ways and put herself second.”

The Cowhers met at N.C. State, where Bill played football and Kaye played on the basketball team.

“I remember when Bill and her were in school,” said friend Susan Yow, the sister of Kay Yow, “It was a sad day for Wolfpack women’s basketball when we heard it.”

Yow also remembers Kaye and her twin sister back when they played for the Wolfpack.

“Kaye was very energetic and just liked to have fun and both of them were very good basketball players at N.C. State and very team oriented and just full of life.”

Bill and Kaye shared a love of sports. Kaye was by Bill’s side when he coached the Steelers to a Super Bowl victory in 2006.

The couple moved to Raleigh in 2006.

Kaye Cowher served on the N.C. State Board of Visitors which advises the school's chancellor and board of trustees.

In a statement, Bill Cowher called Kaye the foundation of their family and a rock they could lean on in tough times.

All three of Kaye Cowher's daughters spoke at the funeral, and Chapel Pastor Jered Pemper said the mood was positive.

The funeral focused on her life and, though some times were hard, Pemper said, "It was one of the best funerals I've ever attended."

There was a video of images from her life displayed during the ceremony.

A number of football luminaries traveled to Franklin County for the funeral. According to a spokesman for the Steelers organization, team president Art Rooney II was scheduled to be at the service.

Kaye Cowher's death came as a shock to Steelers' fans in Pittsburgh; according to media outlets there, her battle with cancer was not widely known.

Cowher leaves behind her husband and three daughters.