Born August 31, 1939, Mary was the daughter of the late Albert and Mary ”Jenny” Boles of Fernandina Beach, FL. Mary graduated from Fernandina Beach High School in 1957. She earned a BA degree in early childhood education from Bible Baptist College in Springfield, MO.
In 1975, Mary founded Parkview Christian School in Eufaula, AL. She worked there as the principal and a teacher for over 25 years. She had a love for music and was an active member of the Camerata Club of Eufaula. She moved to Mobile in 2007 and was an member of Woodridge Baptist Church. She had a lifelong passion for teaching and was a Sunday School teacher her entire life.
Mary was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Marlon Don Dowling and her daughter, Joyce Michelle Sawyer. Her survivors include her daughters Virginia “Jennie” Rivers of Mobile, AL and Helen (Scott) Stroupe of Mooresville, NC; her grandchildren Crystal Nolin, Steven Stroupe, Joseph Stroupe, Dusty (Cindy) Rivers, Tiffany (Doug) Wright, Marla (Justin) Payne, Jonathan Dowling, and Dale Payne as well as 7 great-grandchildren.
A special thanks to Covenant Care of Mobile and Mom’s personal caregivers Angela, Ashley, Adrian and Taryn.
Mary will be laid to rest in Bosque Bello Cemetery in Fernandina Beach, FL. Graveside services will be held on Saturday, December 10, 2022 beginning at 1:00 p.m.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.GreenlawnJacksonville.com for the Dowling family.
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