Carmelle Martin Bowman

November 22, 1922 – December 25, 2012

Mary Carmelle Martin Bowman was born in Greenville, South Carolina, to James Martin and Lula Mae Eden. Her father was a blacksmith and her mother was a housekeeper. She grew up in Greenville, excelling and graduating from the local high school in 1940. She attended South Carolina State College, in Orangeburg, S.C. where she developed many friendships, including Addison Virgil Bowman. After graduation from college she moved with her family to Brooklyn, New York to look for work opportunities.

Coming home from work one afternoon on the A train, Carmelle bumped into her friend from college, Addison Bowman. Soon, Carmelle and Addison became engaged and married in 1946, a union that prospered for over 66 wonderful years. The happy couple settled in Brooklyn as Addison became a dentist and Carmelle pursued a career in early childhood education. In 1952 they celebrated the birth of their only child, Martin.

Carmelle taught at several private schools, including Junior Academy in Brooklyn. In the 1960’s she accepted a teaching assignment at P.S. 289 where she remained for over 20 years until her retirement. Carmelle achieved a Masters in Education from Long Island University. She was active in many charitable and social organizations and was a valued member of Janes United Methodist Church. In 1988, Carmelle and Addison moved to Altamonte Springs, Fl. Carmelle will be remembered as a friendly yet opinionated, lively character who laughed easily and enjoyed socializing with her vast network of family and friends.

Left to mourn her memory are a loving and devoted husband Dr. Addison Bowman, her son Martin, daughter-in-law Angela, grandson Matthew and many, many close relatives and friends.