Caroline Bowman

Caroline Bowman was born to Sarah Franklin and the late Cecil Francis in Ballinger, Texas. She attended public schools in Ballinger and graduated from Ballinger High School. She married Clarence Lee Bowman in 1968 and they have had that union for almost 51 years. Though life wasn't always easy, our mother was able to make a way even when others thought no way could be found. She worked hard and loved even HARDER. If you were loved by her you knew it immediately. One thing about our mother she spoke straight to you. You either loved her or hated her. The past few years were plagued with chronic health issues but through it all she continued to do what she did best. Give the BEST HARD unsolicited advice that only she could give. Her humor will NEVER be matched by anyone however as those that know our family we ALL try. God granted us the privilege of having her far more than others thought we should and for that we are thankful. Though mom didn't attend a church service on a regular basis she ensured that us children as we were younger did. She knew our lord and savior and would tell all of us that GOD will make things okay. We are holding on to that and will be seeking him even more as we adjust to what will now be OUR new NORMAL. Life without this AMAZING daughter, wife, mother, nana, great-nana, sibling, aunt, godmother, and friend will be difficult however she left behind a LEGACY that will carry on through it all.

As we look to GOD our father for strength we as a family encourage you to hold close those that are dear because you never know when you will talk to them that last time. God allowed us to have our father back home with us and we are thankful that he and mom were able to join together as well as create a complete family for all of us. Being able to call one house getting BOTH parents has been one BLESSING that will always be held dear to us all. Mom during our life time held many positions with the work force her last being at Home Depot as a customer service person as well as sometimes a GREETER. When we heard that Home Depot had OUR mother at the door "SMILING" at people when they walked in the door.... We ALL were wondering what the HECK THEY were thinking. Those that truly knew our mother know that she can give a "look" that will shatter glass, crush spirits. That tongue... Oh, LORD the way she could systematically with dignity and grace put you in your place without even using a curse word... GOD only knows how many customers they "MAY" have lost.

Funny story: After her bypass she told us she had stopped smoking. One day we were sitting on her front porch, a big gust of wind came and blew over this plant that she had out there. Under the tree multiple cigarettes rolled from under the base. We looked at mom… Her response… “I wonder how those got there?” She shifted in her seat as she turned her head away hiding her big smile. I don’t think she realized that when she shifted in her seat it also revealed the ones she had hidden under her cushion.. At the end of the day we just stopped complaining and she stopped TRYING to hide them.

Mom used to spend hours sewing and crocheting blankets. For those who were able to receive a Caroline Creation, you were blessed because she prided herself in making sure her work was perfect. Her cooking … What can I say about that… Mom could make a peach cobbler that would make you want to slap your own momma. The problem is that she was our momma and the THOUGHT of slapping her would get you killed. Our mom used to say the best job she had was being a parent UNTIL she became a grandparent. When that happened, us kids became an after thought. Her goal was to make sure that here grandkids were good. Nana was her name and when the great-grandkids came she became great nana. Mom was part of the village and during her lifetime she opened our home to multiple individuals and showed us that no matter what you have or don't have share it with any and everyone. Your reward will be in knowing that you have done something to ensure that all around you are okay hence all of us putting others first. Our motto is that if "others" are good we will be okay. We PRAY that in us sharing our mother, wife, daughter, sibling, aunt, godmother and friend you can think of a fond memory of her then look to the heavens and just smile. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths." (Proverbs 3:5,6 NKJV). A Memorial Service for Mrs. Caroline Bowman will be at 2 PM on June 15, 2019 at Galilee Missionary Baptist Church at 721 W. 19th Street. Pastor John Pope, Jr. will be officiating.

The Bowman Family.