Mary B Garner

Mary Elizabeth Bowman Garner was the eldest daughter of the late Stephen Thomas Bowman and Rosa Lee Andrews Bowman. She was born at her home on West 25th Street, April 15, 1928, in Indianapolis, Indiana. The doctor came to check on baby Mary on April 16th, so that was recorded as her official date of birth. She lived her entire life at her home, a blessed 95 years.

Mary was educated in the Indianapolis Public Schools, graduating from Elder W Diggs (School 42) and Crispus Attucks High School in 1945. She was a majorette and student of Herron School of Art.

At an early age, Mary professed a hope in Christ and was baptized. She was a member of First Baptist Church; and later a member and devoted worker in First Christian Missionary Baptist Church.

On April 24, 1949, Mary Elizabeth Bowman was united in holy matrimony with Samuel Robert Garner. They shared fifty-four (54) years of marriage. To this union, two daughters and four sons were born.

Mary was very active in the education of her children. She was a leader in the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and was involved in many school events and conferences. She was an avid reader and shared her love of books with all that knew her. She loved to read the Bible. When her eyesight began to fail, she listened to her audio Bible, but she missed turning pages.

Mary worked in the cash office at L.S.Ayres Department Store. After she retired, she taught pre-school at Community Baptist Church. She loved helping kids learn to read and grow into good people. She was a proud member of the Riverside Civic League and participated in many trips, dances, dinners and parties. She especially enjoyed exercise class and cherished the many friends she met at Riverside Community Center.

Mary was a great cook. Her family gathered to share every holiday at “Mama’s House.” She loved to feed the family and pass on her wisdom. She taught all her children to cook and continue her traditions.

Mary Elizabeth Bowman Garner departed this life on Tuesday, June 27, 2023, at the age of 95, in the home where she was born, surrounded by her loving family. She was preceded in death by her husband, Samuel R. Garner Sr; brothers, William and Stephen Bowman; and her son Ronald Lee Garner.

She leaves to cherish her memory, five children. Samuel Robert (Renate); Nancy La Von (Charles); Rodney Earl; Karen Sue; James Evans (Cassandra); granddaughter/daughter Brandi La Von Garner. Thirteen grandchildren; twenty great grandchildren. Sister, Nancy Scott; brother-in-law, Bishop Damon S Roach (Marsh); sister-in-law, Joyce Roach and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

A visitation for Mary will be held Saturday, July 15, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Crown Hill Funeral Home, 700 W. 38th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46208, followed by a celebration of life at 12:00 PM.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.crownhill.org for the Garner family.