Marie Brewster Bowman

Marie Brewster Bowman, 88, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 18, 2026. She was born in North Tazewell, VA on May 20, 1937, the oldest child of Roy and Thelma Shrader Brewster.

Marie was happily married to her college sweetheart, John LeRoy "Lee" Bowman, for 62 years, before his passing on Oct 6, 2020. Together they raised three daughters, Annette, Kathy, and Alice. Lee and Marie resided in Suffolk VA for 45 years. In 2019, they relocated to Danville, VA to live next door to their youngest, Alice.

Marie graduated from Radford University in 1958 with a B.S. degree in Education, the first person in her family to graduate from college. She earned her master’s degree in library science in 1989 from The Catholic University of America. Marie worked as an English teacher with Henrico County Public Schools and as librarian at Chickahominy Academy. She worked as Upper School Librarian at Nansemond-Suffolk Academy for 25 years, retiring in 2001.

A lifelong Methodist, Marie was devoted to her church family at Highland Springs United Methodist Church and Main Street United Methodist Church in Suffolk. She enjoyed serving in the United Methodist Women, as a Sunday School teacher, and Bible study leader.

In addition, Marie served in various community organizations, including the King’s Fork Woman’s Club, Wesley Community Service Center, American Association of University Women, Sans Souci Book Club, and other service organizations.

Marie is survived by three daughters, Annette Toner, Kathy Rader (Carlton) and Alice Newell (Dan) and by her sister, Virgina “Ginger” Crawford, of Lynchburg, VA.

Marie had seven grandchildren, Blair Trent, Daniel Toner, Meghan Nash, Laura Rader, Kate Wilcox, Mac Newell, and Faith Newell; and six great-grandchildren, Noah, Teddy, Gray, Henry, Leah and Emma. She also leaves one niece, two nephews, and many extended family members.

Marie loved the genealogy of her Brewster and Shrader heritage from southwest Virginia. She had great joy in sharing her memories of the family farm and 51 first cousins. Marie and Lee were avid VT Hokie football fans, enjoying weekend trips to Lane Stadium for two decades. Most of all, Marie and Lee enjoyed sharing their Virgina Beach and Nag’s Head beach cottages, creating unforgettable memories with family and friends.

The family would like to express thanks and love to all of Marie’s caregivers who have cared for her for the past six years, especially Jackie Lanier. All hold a special place in her heart as well as ours.

A celebration of her life will be held at Main Street United Methodist Church in the spring. Condolences may be sent to Marie’s home address at 318 London Bridge Drive, Danville, VA 24541. On-line condolences at www.townesfuneralhome.com.