Mary Elewese Bowie

Mary Elewese (Carter) Bowie, affectionately called “Wese”, born August 23, 1939, in Fremont, Ohio peacefully transitioned surrounded by loved ones in Nashville, Tennessee on April 12, 2025. She attended Fremont City Schools, graduating from Fremont Ross in 1958. That same year she married Haldon Price, who preceded her in death.

Mary was a devoted mother to twin daughters, Robyn (Connie) Price-Tripp and Roxanne “Roxie” Price, a supportive and caring grandmother to Devin Price, and a loving great-grandmother to Averie Price. Her nurturing and loving spirit also extended to her niece Sophia Staples – who was like a daughter to her – and nephew, Orlando Carter. Also experiencing her abundant love was bonus grand and great grand-daughters Jaretta and Charleigh Engleman and her great nieces, Jasmyn “Jay” Hicks, Ebonee (Stephen) Jefferson, Chadasy (Todd) Pollock, and Danielle Chisolm, as well as great nephew, Clinton Staples III, and sister Connie Rollins-Johnson.

Mary was a woman passionate about her faith, her family and her friends. She was unwavering in her service to God. She practiced what she preached, living a life of authenticity and harmony. She believed in service to others and that “hospitality begins at home.” While living in Fremont, which was most of her life, she found joy in the kitchen, often contributing her favorite recipes to local cookbooks as well as sharing them with family and friends. Her special talent was baked goods. Her Texas sheet cake, strawberry pie, and punch bowl cake were local favorites. Her Christmas cookies, especially those baked and decorated with her grandson, were unmatched.

Family game nights were some of her most memorable times. Mary loved to laugh with others. A family game of Taboo, involving her first cousins, the “Carter Girls” Joi, “Trish”, Patsy and Dorothy would bring laughter and tears of joy to her face. Adding to the fun were other family members Wili Carter, Henri “Diane” and Derrick Hines and Charles “Chuck” Crawford. Days spent talking and reminiscing with her cousin, Mamie Dell Martin were also special.

Friends that felt like family were an important part of Mary’s life. Jeanette Jefferson, Maple Rayford, Mae Leake, Robbie Daniels and Wilma Castille were all a part of her Christian experience. She was blessed to receive a card nearly weekly from Deborah Heidelburg and often joked that Deborah must have stock in Hallmark and the United States Postal Service.

Mary was a woman of great style and grace. Her closets were often full of the latest fashions. Her style was most evident when she was attending church convocations in Memphis, TN.

Mary was a long-standing member of Greater St. James Church of God in Christ. As her health began to decline and she needed to relocate to Tennessee, the church, under the leadership of Pastor Todd Chance, created an Annual Mary Bowie Day held the fourth Sunday in July to honor her faithfulness and service. In Tennessee, she became a member of The Temple Church under Pastor Darrell Drumwright. She was lovingly cared for in Nashville by her family – especially by her devoted son-in-love who provided exceptional care and comfort while also being her personal chef.

Mary’s work history included jobs at Eckrich and Eveready Battery Company. She later discovered she was very adept at making silk flowers, but it was her work with the children involved with the local WSOS youth programs that brought her the most joy.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, George Carter, Maydell and Ira Ward; sisters Yvonne Hicks, Nettie Staples and Willie Maude Carter; her niece Santa Staples and nephews George Jewell Carter, Chad Hicks and Clinton Staples, Jr. She was also preceded in death by her former husband Charles Bowie.

Mary’s warmth, grace, faith and unwavering love for her family will be forever cherished and remembered. While absent from her body, Mary is present with the Lord.

Visitation for Mary will be held on Friday, April 18 from 5:00-7:00PM at the Herman-Karlovetz Funeral Home & Crematory, Fremont. There will be an additional hour of visiting prior to funeral services on Saturday, April 19 from 11:00AM-12:00PM at the Greater St. James Church. Funeral Services will begin at 12:00PM at the church. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. For those unable to attend services, Greater St. James Church will be streaming live via Facebook Live at https://www.facebook.com/greatersaintjames