WAYCROSS — Waycross’ southern lady, who lived a Godly life He called her to and one who spoke to her flowers making them to bloom abundantly at her home, Florence Peagler Bowman went to meet her master Friday afternoon, September 16, 2022, at her home.
Living a life to the age of 96, Mrs. Bowman was a constant smiler, welcoming her family and many friends to her home. Conversation from her would be about her blooming flowers and plants which she greatly admired. Her Casius yellow tree could win any blue ribbon in a flower show and her conversations about her children — “my four lovely daughters” — and many family members showed her great love for them. She was known to grow anything green; the beauty of trumpet lilies, daisies and amaryllis surrounded her flower-enhanced home. These plants and trees were like trophies to this lady who loved “weeding and watering.”
Mrs. Bowman appreciated not only the beauty of God’s creation and nature, but she loved the fellowship she shared with many at Second Baptist Church. There were rare times that she didn’t sit in her church pew, but she weathered health issues, and this prevented her from being with her church family.
One could remember her great cooking, her shown appreciation for her “yard man,” Glenn Taylor, and the pride she showed when a particular flower lifted its head to honor her. Home was so special to her, and the family said she would so appreciate taking her last breath there.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas T. Peagler, Sr. and Sallie Delk Peagler; her first husband, Norman E. Hinson, died in 1949, and second husband, Samuel Bowman, died in 1980; two sons, Erskine Bowman and Bradley Bowman; one granddaughter, Leann Mitchell; one brother, Tommy Peagler; three sisters, Olivia Gaskins, Dora Lee Frazer, and Lillian Craft.
Survivors include four daughters, Rosalyn Wilson (husband Tom) of Blackshear, Jeannie Mitchell (husband Lee) of Waycross, Nina Kelley (husband Hunt) of Blackshear, and Kim Yawn (husband Jeff) of Waycross; five grandchildren, Grady Wilson, David Thornton, James Rollins, Joseph Maxwell, and Matthew Maxwell; eight great grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; as well as several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
A funeral service was held Sunday afternoon, September 18, 2022, at Second Baptist Church with the Rev. Derwin Griffin and the Rev. Daniel Harding officiating. Active pallbearers were Grady Wilson, Leavy Moore, David Thornton, James Rollins, Joseph Maxwell, Matthew Maxwell. Honorary pallbearer was Paul Baughn.
Burial followed Monday morning at Oakland Cemetery.
Sympathy may be expressed online at www.milesodumfuneralhome.com.
Miles-Odum Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
