DR. MARIE THOMASON BOWIE
Jan. 5, 1913 – April 20, 2011
IVA, SC – Dr. Marie Thomason Bowie, 98, of 1349 Parker Bowie Road, died peacefully on Wednesday, April 20, 2011.
Born in Honea Path, SC, on Jan. 5, 1913, Dr. Bowie was the daughter of Melvin Thomason and Eddie Terry Thomason. She graduated from Winthrop College in 1934 with a bachelor’s degree in home economics and was a member of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church.
Survivors include two nephews: George Thomason of Spartanburg, SC, and Edward Thomason of Seneca, SC; and a niece, Harriette Thomason Humphreys of Berkley, CA. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Dr. W. Parker Bowie; a brother, Dr. E. Huston Thomason; and a nephew, Dr. John Thomason.
Dr. Bowie was a beloved teacher of home economics for 45 years in Anderson School District 3, after starting her teaching career at Lowndesville High School. She and her late husband, Dr. W. Parker Bowie, are well known for their philanthropic gifts to Erskine College, Southern Wesleyan University, and the local community. Gifts to Erskine College include the Bowie Divinity Hall in 1985 and the Bowie Arts Center in 1995.
Dr. Bowie transformed her 800-acre farm into a land trust outdoor education center and added walking and riding trails; picnic pavilions; a farm museum and fellowship hall; a rodeo arena, and donated land for the Parker Bowie Athletic Complex.
She was recognized for her philanthropic efforts with an honorary Doctor of Humanities Degree from Erskine College; the Wil Lou Gray Outstanding Educator award; two Order of the Palmetto awards in 1998 and 2002, and the Anderson County Pointing the Way award in 2008.
The funeral service was held Saturday, April 23, 2011, in the Seminary Chapel of Erskine College, officiated by Dr. Randall Ruble. Burial followed in Old Silver Brook Cemetery in Anderson, SC.
It is suggested that memorials be made to the Thomason-Bowie Foundation, The Parker Bowie Athletic Complex, or the Bowie Old Farm Reunion, Inc. The mailing address is 1838 Warren Watt Road, Iva, SC 29655.
A message of condolence may be sent by visiting www.mcdougaldfuneralhome.com.
THE McDOUGALD FUNERAL HOME, Anderson.