Hello pretty girl,  

It’s me. 

 I bet that you’re surprised that so many people were upset to learn of your death. That they kept repeating that your playfulness always lifted our spirits, that your affection for all of your friends warmed our hearts, and that most beautiful smile there ever was magically made everyone around you delighted to be in your presence. 

With all your beauty and talent, your humility perhaps was surprising but oh so real. You could charm and be unaware. And when you did try to charm, look out! I happen to know that it’s true because I witnessed how delighted people were when you would come up, how they always broke into smiling and laughing, how you brightened all the days of our six years of courtship and fifty-six years of marriage. You were my inspiration, my highest goal was to be your hero. 

You were a perfect mother for our dear Elizabeth. My but how she did love you. Still does. She and I talk about how often you are in our dreams and our thoughts. Remember the clumsy poem I wrote in your high school annual? “ Her beauty and words mean all to me; My lover, my friend, my diety.” Sixty-eight years ago. My adoration continued to grow and grow. I am left with no words which can describe. But you know. You always knew. 

You’re my girl. 

Bob

Thinking of sweet Martha Bowen on this day of remembrance.  Long time friend and god-mother of my son, she will always be a very special person to me and my family.

Mom brought laughter and joy to so many people. It was hard to remain sad being around her. I miss her so much. I love you Mom. I will always hold you in my heart. Love and kisses to you. The love will never end.

I well remember what a beautiful and talented woman that you were in High School. You and Bobby were a perfect match, and I envied both of you so much. I was a rebellious outsider at Murphy, only finding myself in later years. I would have loved to share your lives, and would probably have done so if I had stayed in the Atlanta area. God bless and peace for your soul.

All i've know who knew her agee: Best Sweetheart Ever.



Dear Ones, Bob, Elizabeth, Bonnie Beth, Mattie, Tom, Mary—all,
		
	I had hoped to write on Valentine’s Day—-celebrating Martha, “the love of your life,” Bob, and celebrating that love which bountifully overflowed, encompassing family and friends (even pets, like “Kittums Cat”) wherever you two were. 

	Your “celebratory” for my vibrant friend, beautifully shining in so many areas of her life, is exquisitely beautiful as my precious friend, Martha (along with her precious Bob), will always be in an abundance of warm memories—from 1962 picnics on Pt. Arena beaches, to the front porch banner welcoming our Cumbee family to your Florida home. We so looked forward to seasonal visits in Georgia—taking our children to the Fox for the Nutcracker and delighting in Mama’s eggnog after Christmas caroling in Cartersville; many years later it was Edisto beach walks, front porch rocking, sumptuous dinners. 
	
	But the most memorable dinner experienced with “Ms. Southern Hospitality Personified!” included hours of laughter amidst decorating and preparing food for the gorgeous rehearsal dinner for Collin and Melanie at your home. A few years later that “joyfully playful” spirit prevailed as we arranged multitudes of magnolia and hydrangea blooms for Carrie’s Marietta reception. Later that summer Martha busily put ribbons all along the fence while the barbecue crew was being welcomed and the the carrot-chocolate-rum wedding cake iced, just before Andy and Mikki's big event when “pigs did fly" in the Fredonia “corral.” 

Once again we celebrated.
Always I shall love and celebrate Martha Laird Bowen and a family friendship, treasured over the many years.

Jim joins me in sending much love,
Judy


﻿Feb. 15, 2021

 She had a smile that warms the heart even in the frigid snow.
 
 Dear Mama,
 
 I love you so much. You are always so full of life and joy. 
 
 One day, when I was at school, you had a raft with a hole in it and were thinking what to do with it. That's when you got your creative idea. You got on top of the stairs, which were carpeted and shot down the stairs in the rubber raft and landed softly on the door in the foyer with pillows for padding. 
 
 All my friends loved to jump in the raft sitting behind me and shoot the stairs. It was like a roller coaster ride so fast, adventurous, and fun. 
 
 Not many mothers had such creative and fun ideas like you did Mom.
 
 You also played The Three Little Pigs and The Wolf and you reenacted the scene where the piggy's straw houses get threatened by the wolf. I would hide in the broom closet in the kitchen pretending to be a little piggy and you would be the wolf howling at the door of the piggy's house. You would say ,"Little pig, little pig. Let me come in " and I would say, "Not by the hair on my chinny chin chin." So Mama said, "Well then I'll huff and I'll puff and I'll BLOOWWW your house in while simultaneously shaking the broom closet loudly. So much fun !!!
 
 Same with Bonnie Beth, your sweet granddaughter.  Marsa, Oompah, and BBK and I would re-enact The Wizard of Oz. I was Glenda, the good witch of the North, Bonnie Beth was Dorothy, Oompah was the wizard behind the draperies in our beach home, and Marsa was the various characters of scarecrow, tinman, and lion. 
 
 So many memories come floating back to me now. 
 
 I remember the Valentine's Day and you helped me make a beautiful Valentine's heart for my grandmother, Mern. I thought it was the most beautiful valentine that I had ever seen. 
 
 And you are the most beautiful Valentine , Mom.
 
 Happy Valentin's Day! You are so very loved and you make me proud.!!!
 
 Love forever and ever,
 
 Your "baby" Elizabeth 
 


A Recipe for Martha Bowen:
2 cups loving-kindness
1 full jar of cheerfulness
2 bunches of echoing laughter
1 hardy sifter full of compassion 
1 bunch of devotion 
1 large jar of determination 
Bake well in endless rays of sunshine
Spread with Straight Up Silly Sauce, heavy on Giggles 
Sprinkle heavily with the following seasonings:
Beautiful Smiles, Caring Words, Warm Hugs, and Fun Times
Perfectly paired with a large glass of undying hope mixed with unyielding love
Guaranteed to be enjoyed!
That’s Martha Bowen, a tender, radiant soul, an endless joy, beloved, never to be forgotten.  
I thank God for creating the perfect recipe for Bob and Lizbeth.

My dear Mrs. Bowen, you will always have a place DEEP in my heart.  You were always so loving and never lacked a big smile! You welcomed me in your home during those not so fun teenage years but you made it fun!!  You helped Elizabeth and I do our hair for cheerleading and made us our magic show costumes when we started doing children’s birthday party shows.  You were always by our side even listening to us cry about our high school blues.  What a great mom you were and my dear mother Loved you soooo much too!  May you dance in heaven together as you continue to watch over us.  May your memory be eternal!!  Lovingly, your “other daughter”, Irene

Dear Bob and Martha,  We are  sometimes blessed to have a  special person in our lives that always bring a spirit of love and beauty.   Each time we meet a little light burns brightly and shows us all the lovely things of this life.  That is who Martha was to me, and it became more precious as the years have gone by.   I know we will all miss her light and love. 
With love and sympathy, Jamie Bowen Welch 

Martha was indeed a very special lady, one-of-a-kind. Our long-time friendship with Martha, Bob, and Mary has been our joy and privilege. Our hearts and prayers go out to them and their families.

When I think of Martha the word GRACE comes to mind. She was a most gracious person and one who lit up a room with her beautiful smile. Bob and Elizabeth and family our love and prayers are with you! Joy (Welch) & Steve Gutos & family

Dear Bob, Elizabeth and Mary:

We are so saddened to learn of dear Martha's recent passing.  What a wonderful, lovely and warm lady!   Martha possessed all the superlatives.  Your loss is shared by many and words cannot convey our deepest sympathy and condolences.  She will be missed by all who knew her or came in contact with her. 
God Bless You all in this time of deep sorrow.
Troy and Louise Childers (Troy-Class of '57 Murphy; also Oglethorpe)

Martha was a one of a kind and we loved  her dearly! When Michael and I got engaged, she and Bob hosted a Christmas Shower for us. Their gift to us was a beautiful tree decorated with white ornaments and ribbons that Martha had put together herself.  It was and is BEAUTIFUL! We put it out in our foyer  every year and think fondly of our dear friends the Bowens. We call it Miss Martha’s tree. ❤️
Believe me, it will remain the centerpiece of our foyer, just as she will remain in our hearts!

Bob, you picked the most beautiful flower in the garden and cherished her from that time on.

When you hired me at FNB, I became part of a family.  We played together.  Martha brought light  and Elizabeth brought joy.
I even remember your cat, Owen Bowen.

While I did not see Martha often through the years, when I did, I was struck by how little she had changed.  Her bright smile still lit up a room.

That light shines through the pain in your heart and the hearts of of all who love her.  

Love and Light,
Betsy Corley Pickren

My friend, Martha, has been in my life for close to fifty years.  We shared a friendship that included both of our families. When we first met it was going on Saturdays to the Georgia Tech football games, sharing lunch at some "quiche place" to placate my not being a big sports person, then catching a movie that the two couples managed to take turns sleeping through. After son, Matthew. was born ( Bob and Martha became his beloved godparents) we would end the evening at our home with Martha hiding  multitudes of stuffed animal around the house.  She invented this fun activity to coach Matthew to finally go to bed and leave the party with the thought of waking up the next morning and finding his animals in all kinds of places.  The best one was the time she placed his big bear behind the wheel of the family station wagon in the garage.
  Through the years we established a time to always spend part of Christmas with them. When all the hectic part of Christmas was done Martha and Bob  would arrive at our house on Christmas night to share dinner left overs and play games with the family.  This continued until all the children were married.  A high light of Christmas in everyone's mind.  One of  my daughter's said: "I remember I couldn't wait until they got there".   Friends like that are SPECIAL.
    WE shared Valentine's weekends at B&B's, trips aboard, weekends at "Marsha's Place" and many fun times together through the years.  I will miss this lovely lady and all the great times together.  But, most of all, I will miss her fun loving spirit and loving ways.  She was definitely one of a kind and I loved her dearly.
     Wishing her family peace and memories that will live with them always.
Judy

Dearest Bob and Elizabeth,
What a devoted loving and dotting husband and daughter you both have been. The way you cherished her is  very unique and so special to witness. I trust that through the pain of such loss this abiding love and the many memories will both heal and in time delight you. 
I will always remember her warm and beautiful home and the way she welcomed my family as well as her warm, sincere and radiant smile. My love and prayers are with you both.
Much Love,
Leigh Bowen Muro and Family

Martha Laird Bowen was truly an angel on Earth.  When lucky enough to be in her presence, she made you happy, relaxed and feel that all was right in the world.  I couldn't stop smiling and laughing with her!  She blessed us all with her infectious laughter, her incredible beauty and her everlasting goodwill and love!  I feel so fortunate to have Martha and Bob as my good friends.  I was better because of their love and friendship.  Thank you God for these very special  friends!

I had the privilege and honor of knowing Martha for over 40 years. She was always incredibly kind, sweet, fun-loving, caring, compassionate, smart, talented, engaging, accepting, giving and is one of the best people I have ever known.  She has always been so smitten with you, Bob, and it was always delightful to see you together.  Elizabeth, she adored you and I remember you growing up and your mother doing so much for you and your lovely children.  And Mary, she surely loved her sister! 
Bob, Elizabeth and Mary...my warmest wishes, prayers and sympathy are with you.   

Bob, Mary, Elizabeth - I am so sorry to hear of Martha's passing. I cannot imagine the pain you and your family are feeling. I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to meet Martha, and I know how much she means to you all. Sending you and your family prayers, comfort, and support in the days to come. 

I remember Martha as one of the sweetest girls I had as a friend at Murphy High School.   My sympathies go out to Bobby  and the rest of the family.      Ann Tarver Graves (class of 1957)

OBITUARY

Martha Laird Bowen

July 2, 1939 – January 24, 2021

H.M. Patterson & Son-Oglethorpe Hill Chapel

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