Cynthia A. Bowman

Cynthia A. Bowman, age 53 of Powell, passed away Saturday, August 4, 2012.

Cindy was born in Williamsburg, Virginia to the late James and Marcia Bowman.

She held a Ph.D. from Kent State University, a Master of Arts degree from Virginia Polytechnic and State University, and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Miami University. She loved teaching and particularly loved English Literature.

Cindy taught high school in Florida, her childhood home, then moved into academia as a professor first at Ball State University and then at Florida State University before joining Ashland University Columbus Center in 2003 as an Associate Professor of Curriculum and Instruction. Cindy was a Past President of OCTELA, Ohio Council Teachers English Language Arts and also an active member of NCTE, National Committee of Teachers of English. In 1991 Cindy received the James N. Britton Award for excellence in the classroom.

As a young girl, Cindy was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. Throughout her life, she faced the disease head-on, and didn’t allow it to break her. Instead, she became an advocate for those facing disabilities. In her classrooms and in social circles, Cindy spoke openly and eagerly about overcoming the challenges of living with a disability. She was an enthusiastic, ever-optimistic role model to many, displaying every day that her debilitating disease could not, and would not, detract from her success and determination.

She was a gifted educator, speaker, researcher, and author who inspired countless students and colleagues throughout her career. “A Guide to High School Success for Students with Disabilities" was published in 2005. Cindy was one of kind and served as a role model to many. In addition to her career in education, Cindy was also proud of the independent life she lived. She enjoyed visits with neighbors and walks with her faithful companion Lexi. She will be greatly missed by her brother, Michael Bowman and, wife, Beth of Delaware, Ohio; nieces and nephew, Kirsten, Erin, and Matt; uncle and aunt, Tom and Patty Goodall of Virginia Beach, VA; and numerous students, colleagues, and dear friends. Memorial service will be held at 4 P.M. Saturday, August 11, 2012 at SCHOEDINGER WORTHINGTON CHAPEL, 6699 N. High St., where family will receive friends from 2 P.M. until time of service. Father Joe DiMauro, Celebrant. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in her memory to: OCTELA c/o Margaret Blevins, Treasurer 641 Panhandle Avenue, West Union, OH 45693. To share memories or condolences, please visit www.schoedinger.com.