Carol Grace Adam Bowers

Carol Grace Adam Bowers (December 10, 1926 - July 20, 2024) was born and raised in Middle Point, small farming community in Northwestern Ohio. The middle child of a loving family, her parents were both teachers as well as farmers, passing on an appreciation of learning and the natural world. Church, chores and a large supply of cousins filled Carol’s happy childhood.

In 1944 she entered Bowling Green State University and due to the encouragement of an art teacher she majored in Art Education.  Carol met her future husband, George Bowers, during her first year of teaching.  George’s sister Mary set them up on a first date and they were married on June 11, 1949 in a church filled with peonies and family. George’s work took them to a variety of cities:  Niagara Falls NY, Louisville KY, Philadelphia PA, Minneapolis and Northfield MN, and finally to Oxford Ohio, where Carol lived for more than 60 years.

Her daughter MaryBeth was born in 1956—certainly one of her life’s greatest joys until her only grandchild, Avalon Hayes Bunge, came around in 1993. Avalon and grandma shared the “artist’s eye” and “green thumb.”

Through the years Carol continued her interests in art, gardening, church activities, and sorority (Alpha Chi Omega and PEO). She loved children and especially enjoyed her years of teaching in northern Ohio and later in Reilly.  She also liked animals and over the years had special relationships with cats Bozo and Mrs. Fezziwig and dogs Buff, Xanadu and Tasha.

She painted throughout her life, amassing an oeuvre of landscapes and seascapes, Ohio farming scenes, plentiful flowers, and lively portraits of those she loved. Primarily a watercolor artist, she never missed an opportunity to learn or try out new media, including pastels, colored pencil, photography, and even paper marbling.

After George’s retirement, the couple often traveled together and with friends and family, enjoying many riversides, beaches, forests, and plenty of sunsets. Carol felt to the end that she had a great and blessed life.

Carol is survived by her daughter Mary Beth (John Bunge), granddaughter Avalon (Eli Arnow), her beloved friend Veda Etheridge, devoted caregivers Brittany Ramey and Veronica Valley, her cat Mrs. Fezziwig (now at home in New York), many beloved nieces and nephews, and friends of all ages.

A Celebration of Carol’s life will be held on Monday, August 5, 1:30-3:30pm at the Knolls of Oxford Clubhouse on Creekside Lane, Oxford OH.  (Formal remarks at 2pm followed by an ice cream social).  All are welcome.  In lieu of flowers please consider making a gift to the Oxford Community Arts Center or the Oxford Presbyterian Church .