Marjorie W. Bowers

Marjorie W. Bowers, 89, died Tuesday July 1, 2008 in Knoxville, TN at St. Mary's Residential Hospice. She had a massive stroke June 23, 2008, which was her third stroke over the past 12 months.

She is survived by her adoring, loving husband of 56 years, W. Grier Bowers; son, Craig W. Bowers of Raleigh; daughter, Margo B. Guess and her husband, Dr. Frank M. Guess of Knoxville, TN; nieces, Beth Hannon and her husband, David Hannon of Greeneville, SC, Judi Loeber and her husband, Bob Loeber of Plant City, FL; nephew, Jerry Lance of Tampa, FL; and many dear cousins. She is predeceased by sister, Jean Lance and her husband, Joe Lance; sister-in-law, Margaret Cooke and her husband, Bill Cooke; and dear cousins.

She was born in 1918 in Asheville, daughter of the late Marvin A. Whisnant and Kathleen Connor Whisnant. She attended and graduated from Brevard College, then two years. Also, she attended St. Genevieve's Business School for her business degree. She worked as secretary of the manager of the Crane Company in Asheville. Upon having children, she was a full time mother and homemaker. Later, she worked part time for OTD and other companies in Raleigh. She was a member of Millbrook United Methodist Church and previously a member of St. Mark's, among others.

A memorial service and celebration of her life will be held 2:00 to 2:45 p.m. on Saturday, July 19, at St. Mark's United Methodist Church, 4801 Six Forks Road, Raleigh, NC, co-officiated by Rev. Ben Williams of St. Mark's United Methodist and Rev. Lisa Yebuah of Millbrook United Methodist. Immediately after this service, travel will be to Montlawn Cemetery for graveside burial of her ashes at 3:45 p.m. officiated by Rev. Dr. Ken Weir, family relative and dear friend, of New Tazewell, TN.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her loving memory to Millbrook United Methodist, 1712 E. Millbrook Road, Raleigh, NC 27609 or St. Mark's United Methodist Church, 4801 Six Forks Road, Raleigh, NC 27609; or the charity of your choice.

Published in The News & Observer on 7/13/2008