Sara Lauterbach Bowden

Sara was born in Hope, Arkansas, to Mattie Farris and Claude Dickson Lauterbach. She was a graduate of Texas State College for Women, now Texas Woman’s University, in Denton, Texas, where she majored in fashion design. Sara spent much of her career as a teacher, sharing her knowledge, creativity, and caring spirit with generations of students.

Sara was also a remarkable ovarian cancer survivor (Stage 3C) of more than 22 years and was grateful for the many years of life that followed. She treasured each of those years and the opportunities they brought to enjoy the people and experiences she loved.

Sara and her husband were longtime members of Aldersgate United Methodist Church. After retirement, Sara renewed her love of art and began painting again. Returning to painting brought her great joy, and she shared her love of art with her grandchildren in their summer trips to Greenville. She also loved music and enjoyed many events with Jerry attending the Greenville Symphony Orchestra and Furman University’s Music by the Lake concerts. One of Sara’s favorite traditions was her annual birthday week spent just outside of Gatlinburg, Tennessee in the Smoky Mountains, a tradition she enjoyed for more than 40 years. The mountains held a special place in her heart. One of her favorite traditions was having picnics overlooking the river and taking scenic drives in the Smoky Mountains. These were among favorite memories and became treasured moments throughout her life.

Sara’s greatest joy, however, was her family.

She is survived by her high school sweetheart and beloved husband, Robert “Jerry” Bowden. They were married for 70 years after dating for five years, giving them the extraordinary gift of 75 years together. Their lifelong love and devotion to one another was a beautiful testament to the life they built side by side. She is also survived by her two children, Robert Bowden (Angie) of Longwood, Florida, and Claudia Major (Sid) of Greenville, South Carolina; her grandchildren, Michael Bowden (Nicole) and Rebecca Bowden (Brennan Hagan), both of Florida; and her beloved great-granddaughter, Delaney. She is survived by additional family and friends.

Sara was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, C.D. “Dick Lauterbach, Jr., and his wife, Diane; her stepmother, Katherine Lauterbach; her beloved grandmother, Lillian Waddle Briant; and her stepfather, John D. Brown.

Sara will be remembered for the love, her creativity, her strength, her appreciation for beauty, and most of all, for the love she had for her family. The memories she created over a lifetime—music, cooking, painting, family gatherings, and 75 years alongside the man she loved—will remain treasured by those who knew her.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to her caregivers at Bon Secours Hospice by Compassus and The Gables Skilled Nursing Facility for the compassionate care and kindness they provided to Sara and her family.

A graveside service will be held at Woodlawn Memorial Park, 1 Pine Knoll Drive, Greenville, SC 29609 on September 14, 2026 at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the South Carolina Ovarian Cancer Foundation, 124 Edinburgh Court, Suite 109, Greenville, SC 29607.