Nancy Cassandra Shofner Bowen

Nancy graduated from Shelbyville Central High School and received her Bachelor of Science degree from Middle Tennessee State College in 1956. She received an Educator’s Certificate from the State of Florida Department of Education certifying her professional certification for grades 1 through 9.

Nancy taught elementary school at Twin Lakes Elementary in Hialeah, Florida and Springview Elementary School in Miami Springs for 36 years. She spent the majority of those years teaching third grade students, her favorite age group.

Nancy received the coveted Valley Forge Classroom Teacher’s Medal awarded by the Freedom Foundation. Every year the Distinguished School awards the teacher’s medal for their exceptional service in furthering the cause of responsible citizenship, patriotism and a greater understanding of the American way of life. In 1971 she was awarded the Florida Outstanding Teacher Award, awarded by the Florida Federation of Women’s Club. She was the School Coordinator for the Junior American Citizen Club in addition to sponsoring the school’s drum corps. Nancy was in the drum corps and marching band while at Shelbyville Central High School. Nancy received the Thatcher Award Pin and Citation, the highest award given by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) for the sponsoring of the JAC Club. She was an active member of the John Macdonald Chapter. In connection with the Junior American Citizens Club, the DAR from Washington awarded her a Junior American Citizen Lifetime membership and medal, the first time for one to be given and recognized through the John Macdonald Chapter. Most of Nancy’s 36 years of teaching were spent at Springview Elementary School in Miami Springs, Florida.

Upon retiring from teaching, Nancy married Ray Bowen in Miami Springs and relocated to Merritt Island, Florida to live her final years in their dream home.

Nancy was predeceased by her husband Ray, her sisters, Josephine Brown and Emily Bartlett. She is survived by her nephews, Michael (Jan) Bartlett, Martin (Martha) Bartlett and Robert Brown as well as her grandnieces Emily Bartlett (Adam) Munoz and Rachel Bartlett (Brad) Barnes, Bobette Brown, Mariah Bartlett (Austin) Blair and grandnephew, Matthew (Breck) Bartlett. Also carrying further her spirit are her great grandnephews and grandnieces, Caden and Logan Munoz, Mason and Alaina Barnes and Morley Mae Bartlett.

Nancy will be missed by her friends on Merritt Island, Heidi Bowman, Bobbie Lotspeich, Millie Casserly, Pat Seipel, Larry & Kathy Hanken and her family in Tennessee. She was a great mentor and a beloved friend.

A gathering of friends and family will occur on Tuesday, December 12 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Wylie-Baxley Funeral Home, 1360 N Courtenay Parkway, Merritt Island, FL 32953. Stories and memories will be shared in fellowship to honor a remarkable woman and an unforgettable soul.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.wyliebaxleymerrittisland.com for the Shofner Bowen family.