Mari Nelson Bowen

Mari Nelson Bowen, born December 20, 1942, peacefully embraced God on March 25, 2010 on St Simons Island, GA. She was a great lover of her family which included four grandchildren, who referred to her as Grandmare. Never having met a stranger, she was most comfortable on the front porch of her beach house on St. Simons in the company of a few good friends and her beloved Jack Russell Terriers.

Born and raised in Statesboro, GA the only child of William A. and Generia (Honey) Bowen, she lived most of her adult life on St. Simons Island, GA.

She is survived by her two sons David Freeman of Statesboro, GA and Bowen Freeman of Charleston, SC and their wives Alma Freeman and Megan Freeman, and by her stepdaughter Lauren Hook of Savannah, GA. Her grandchildren include Mary Peyton and Emma Freeman of Statesboro, GA and Mills and Robert Freeman of Charleston, SC.

She is also survived by her friend and soul mate Tom McElheny of Myrtle Beach, SC, by close family friend Vicki Palonen of St Simons Island, and by the countless friends she made and kept throughout her life who define the term “true friends.” She lived a very fruitful life and will be remembered as an optimist, an inspiration to all who knew her, and as somebody who had a very unique personal connection to anyone she ever met. She will be missed, but never forgotten.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at the chapel of Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home in Brunswick, GA at 11:00 am on Saturday, April 3, 2010 with Dr. Wright Culpepper officiating. A tribute to Mari will be hosted by her family following the memorial and those details are forthcoming.

Those desiring may make contributions to the Human Society of South Coastal Georgia at 4627 North Highway 17, Brunswick, GA 31525 or the American Cancer Society, Glynn County Unit at 3011 Hampton Avenue, Suite 361, Brunswick, GA 31520.

Condolences may be offered at www.edomillerandsons.com

Arrangements are entrusted to Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home and Oglethorpe Crematorium in Brunswick, GA.