Mary Bowser

Sketches from the life of Mary Ann Lawrence Bowser October 2, 1951 – December 6, 2023 Life is much like a beautiful tree. It’s the living green branches that we see. And the roots that are hidden strong and deep Are the beautiful memories our hearts may keep!!! These memories will strengthen and sustain us always. On Wednesday, December 6, 2023, our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend Mary Ann Lawrence Bowser’s earthly house was dissolved and she moved into a brand new building that was not made by man’s hands. The twelfth child born to David Lawrence and Elsie Johnson, Mary Ann was born October 2, 1951, joining Rosie, David, Daisy, Johnny, Willie, Gene, Shirley, Eddie, Geraldine, Willie Mae and Robert and was later joined by Herman, Joe and Bertha. “Diane” as she was affectionately known during her earlier years was a member of Uncle Percy Lyons’ household where she credited Aunt Mary for teaching her the rigors of housekeeping and life in general. It was within this circle of three cousins-like-sisters Helen, Frances and Catherine and a cousin-brother Percy James that she began her walk with the Lord, accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior and after baptism, becoming a member of St. James Baptist Church in Vidalia, Louisiana. Her stay in her uncle’s home saw its fulfillment as she met the one and only love of her life, Bobby Bowser. They were married on September 3, 1970. This union was blessed with five children: Shezarrah Lynn (the Louisianan), Robert James, Juanita Annette, Darien Allen, and Mari Lynnette (all Pennsylvanians). Leaving Louisiana and relocating to Reading, PA, the Bowsers became members of St James Chapel C.O.G.I.C. in Reading, PA. The Bowsers moved from Reading to Birdsboro, Pa where they joined True Faith Independent Holiness Church where she grew in her relationship with the Lord, especially with Bible study and prayer. She participated in the life of this church in ministries such as community-based missionary work, usher board, deaconess, choir member, food services, and vacation Bible school. Having become a virtuous woman and mother, she retired and made her final move to Charlotte, North Carolina and became a doting grandmother. She affectionately welcomed each grandchild: Jala (24), Mela (21), Kiara (18), Cierra (16), Alexis (11), Tisheem (TJ) (11), Micah (8), Azari (6), Jeffrey (Trey) (5). She also became an active member of The Park Church where she was a member of the Pacesetters, Hymn choir, Intercessory Prayer group and Married Couples Sunday class. While she had various stints in the world of work, she served the majority of her time in the nursing field, she fully embraced her God-given responsibilities of being the faithful helpmate to her husband, rearing her own children, among many others, in the admonition and nurture of the Lord, teaching them and others to follow her as she followed the Lord. A warrior, she prayed daily for her immediate and extended family, desiring that those who needed to come to the Lord would so by means of salvation and that others would live their lives to the glory and honor of God so that they may be drawn to the Lord for an abundant life. Relatives and friends could not talk with her without being reminded of the Lord and His purpose for their lives, knowing Him, and building His kingdom here on Earth. Having finished her course, our circle of love was broken again as Mary Ann joined her grandparents Grant and Adlady Lyons and Monroe and Elsie Johnson; parents David and Elsie; brothers David, Willie, Gene, Eddie, Robert and Joe; sisters Rosie, Shirley and Geraldine; most of her aunts and all of her uncles, and several nieces and nephews and other relatives. She leaves to cherish her memories, her devoted husband Bobby Bowser; her children Shezarrah (Dave) Keane, Robert (Larrisa) Bowser, Juanita Bowser, Darien Bowser and Mari (Jeffrey) Kennings Jr., 9 grandchildren; aunt Ruby; two brothers Johnny and Herman; three sisters Daisy, Willie Mae and Bertha; uncles-in-law James (Alphoan) and Clarence; brothers-in-law Elbert (Clara), Ivory Dean, Larry (Hattie), Donald, Renard (Catherine); sisters-in-law Annie, Marion (Richard), Marie; and a preponderance of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. “The Lord saw you were getting tired and a care was not to be. So He put His arms around you, and whispered “Come with Me.” A golden heart stopped, a beautiful smile at rest, God broke our hearts to prove He only takes the best.” Until we meet again . . . We’ll brave the grief that has come, and by Your grace, understand.