Lillian Bridwell-Bowles, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, artist, and educator, passed away on Monday, June 24, 2024, at 76. Born on November 22, 1947, in Sanford, Florida, Lillian was the daughter of Hilda Farmer and Norman Lee Sasser.
Lillian graduated as valedictorian from Kathleen High School in Lakeland, Florida. She continued her education at Florida State University, serving as President of the Phi Mu Sorority, and earned a Doctorate of English from the University of Georgia.
Lillian's academic career included teaching at the University of Nebraska, University of Minnesota, and Louisiana State University, where she founded the Communication Across the Curriculum program, a program twice central to LSU’s accreditation. She retired from LSU in 2017 as a Professor Emerita.
Lillian was a revered artist and enjoyed a second career as a potter in retirement. She became president of the Baton Rouge Art League in 2024.
She enjoyed gardening, creating a beautiful backyard with her son, Joel, and cherished being a grandmother and great-aunt. Lillian treasured her time at New Smyrna Beach, FL where she often found peace and solace.
An active member of the Baton Rouge Caledonian Society, Lillian also served as an Elder at the University Presbyterian Church. She was a dedicated participant in her book club, nurturing her love for literature and the English language. Even as an emerita, she mentored students and cherished the impact she had on her students. Although born in Florida, Lillian considered North Carolina the "center of the universe." She proudly chronicled the genealogy of her family ancestry and restored a family cemetery.
Lillian is survived by her loving husband, Rick Bowles of Baton Rouge; her son, Joel Bridwell of Baton Rouge; David (Boz) and Teresa Bowles of Baton Rouge; Brennan and Ashleigh Bowles of Baton Rouge; and her brother, Lee Sasser of Orlando, Florida. She was preceded in death by her parents, Hilda Farmer and Norman Lee Sasser, and her first husband, James Bridwell.
Lillian Bridwell Bowles will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her dedication to education, passion for the arts, and love for her family will be cherished forever.
A memorial service will be held at 1 pm on Friday, June 28, at University Presbyterian Church (3240 Dalrymple Dr, Baton Rouge).
