Marian Bowman

Marian Jean Bowman, age 87, went home to be with her Heavenly Father on June 18, 2022. She will be remembered for her tenacious spirit, as she never gave up on the things she believed in, and for her deep love of her Savior, who she served with her whole heart throughout her life.

She was born to Arthur and Eugenia Burch on February 1, 1935, the first of their two daughters. She attended school in San Antonio, Texas, graduating from Brackenridge High School in May of 1953. She went on to attend Draughon’s Business College in San Antonio, and later worked for an insurance company in Corpus Christi, Texas.

She married James Felton Bowman on July 9, 1955, at the First Baptist Church in San Antonio. They became parents to two daughters, Darla Yvonne, born in 1957, and Dana Michele, born in 1959. She would spend the next years of her life working together with her husband, as he pastored a small Baptist church. She would also be a stay-at-home mom while raising their two young daughters.

Throughout her life, she was a devout Christian, trusting in her Lord as she faced multiple health issues. She had learned, at an early age, that He would be beside her, in good days, and in bad, and that faith sustained her, and gave her hope, as she lived her life.

She was a member of Trinity Baptist Church in San Antonio, Texas for many years. She served on their Mission team, and was a member of the Women’s Missionary Union of Texas. She was a part of the Baptist Children’s Home support group and a member of the Trinity XYZ group. This church was her “home away from home,” a place that brought her great joy, allowed her to serve, and provided her with invaluable friendships.

She had a love for Christian music, and joined the Trinity Baptist Church Sanctuary Choir, where she enjoyed participating in the Living Christmas Tree programs for several years. As a participant in the program, she was one of the singers who filled a specially constructed 29-foot tree, from which beautiful Christmas music flowed for two hours, to standing room only crowds. This became a special part of her Christmas celebration each year, as she first participated, and later attended as an observer.

She also joined the Sonshine Singers of San Antonio, a group that among other activities, performed at nursing homes and retirement communities in San Antonio and the surrounding area. As a member of this group, she performed at two locations every Monday during the months of September through May. A special moment in her life came as she was able to make a “trip of a lifetime” to Nashville, Tennessee as a part of this singing group. This musical ministry was an important part of her life during her retirement years.

One of her talents was playing the piano. She put many hours into learning the pieces she played. Her daughters remember hearing the beautiful melodies filling the house as she practiced and then added each new song to her list of favorites. When she later moved to a nursing home, her piano became a fixture in their entertainment area. At first she played it for others, and later she listened as others played it.

She was also a gifted seamstress and craftsman. She made beautiful dresses for her children, meticulously striving for perfect seams and a tailored fit. She became so good at this, that she eventually helped create the hand sewn and elaborately enhanced trains for the formals worn during the San Antonio Fiesta Flambeau parade. In addition to sewing, she created embroidered heirlooms and amazing Christmas ornaments, working hours to make each of them special. The ornaments were only a part of her contribution to her tree and the trees of her family, as she designed and created beautiful tree skirts. Some of these items, will remain for years to come, thereby bringing her spirit into family celebrations.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Eugenia Burch; her husband, James Bowman; her son-in-law, Royce Selby; her granddaughter, Lauren Selby; and her brother-in-law, Raymond Homann.

She is survived by her daughters, Darla and husband Billy Matthews, and Dana Selby; by grandchildren, Holly and husband Brent Meyer and Candyce and husband Andrew Dunk; by great-grandchildren, Austin and Addison Meyer; her sister, Audrey Homann; and two nieces, a nephew, and their families.

She is also survived by a special friend, Harriet Phillips, a friendship that made it possible for her to attend church and other functions long after those days would have ended otherwise. Harriet was also a faithful friend who continued to visit the nursing home as Marian’s health continued to decline.

The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, June 24, at Galloway & Sons Funeral Home in Three Rivers with Pastor Bob Hendrick officiating.

Burial will follow in the Three Rivers Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her name may be made to one's favorite charity.