Mary B. Bowers

Our treasured and beloved Mary Bowers, more endearingly known as "Bea", commenced her journey here on earth on the 12th of December, 1931. The youngest daughter of Charles and Rachel Williams, Mary "Bea" was the youngest of a dynasty of eight. Homegrown in Camden, SC, Bea received her education in the Kershaw County Schools and graduated from Jackson High School. Bea came of age and married Leroy Bowers, Sr. Together, they loved and nurtured one son, Thomas Leroy Bowers, amicably known as "Skipper".
God was always abound in Bea's presence. She was remarkably in tune with the Creator even in her youth, and found Christ at a very young age. Upon returning home to Camden, Bea joined St. Paul United Methodist Church where she remained active until her health declined. She served faithfully in many capacities at St. Paul to include Chairperson of PPRC and Treasurer of the United Methodist Women. In addition to church activities, she also held the position of President of the American Legion Auxiliary, Post 203.
Bea spent her professional career as a housekeeper/caretaker and caterer, a testament to her utter selflessness and the benevolent and giving spirit she possessed.
In her heyday, Bea was an avid bowler and fan of the sport. She, alongside her husband, Leroy, brother, Lincoln, and sister-in-law, Eunice, played and competed at extraordinary levels. A simple woman, you would mostly find Bea enjoying the sunny breeze through the window of her Camden home in the summertime, enjoying some fresh fruit, preferably watermelon or scuppernong grapes, while she observed tennis matches on television. Similar to her elder sister, Thomasena, tennis was one of her favorite past-times - to miss an important match was a rarity! The bond between Bea and her sisters was quite special and second to none.
Bea was an exemplary cook with a devout passion and appreciation for food. She was lauded for her sheer talent of taking just a few simple ingredients and whipping up inspirational and scrumptious meals. Using recipes passed down from her mother, Rachel, Bea learned early the importance of food culture and used it to bring family and loved ones together through the power of good nourishment!
"The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and the one who is wise saves lives." Proverbs 11:30
A spirit that is sweet and pure, thoughtful and just, eager to greet you with a smile. A spirit that is patient and fervent, nurturing and steadfast, swift to engage you with love, illuminating you with a mere touch. A spirit that is caring and insightful, a true manifestation of God's gift of life and the fullest, most devine potential of its fruit - this is the embodiment of Mary "Bea" Bowers.
At the heavenly table in the mansion, Bea joins her siblings, Francis, Patsy, Hammie, Lee, Lincoln, Thomasena and Essie. As she continues on in her ascension into the kingdom, she leaves an indelible legacy here on earth: one son, Thomas Leroy Bowers (Justice Janae), four grandchildren: Felicia, Jelani, Be'Yond and Thomas, Jr.; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, long-time friends, neighbors, fellow church members and more!!