Mary Mercer Bowen

Mary was born in Goose Creek, Texas on August 27, 1931 to William ""Barlow Bill"" and Ethel Mercer. She grew up in Baytown and resided here all of her life. She met and married Edward Gene Bowen on October 18, 1950.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents, William ""Barlow Bill"" and Ethel Mercer, and husband Edward Gene Bowen.

Mary was a member of First Baptist Church of Baytown, Texas. She served as President of the San Jacinto PTA and the Baytown Council of PTA's. Mary was active for many years in the PTA organizations and was awarded both a State and a National Lifetime Membership. She participated in the Goose Creek Consolidated School District for many years, attending school board meetings and events at the schools where her children were enrolled. She also served as President of the Texas A&M Aggie Mother's Association to honor her son, Jim, a 1977 graduate.

Mary played an active role as a band parent during the years her three children attended Robert E. Lee High School. She continued to take a strong interest in the schooling of her grandchildren, often attending their school activities at every opportunity.

In her later years, she and Gene often traveled to visit her daughter Cindy and her husband Dave, who was on active duty with the Navy, visiting their duty stations in Norfolk, VA, Bath ME, Orlando FL, Charleston, SC, Bremerton, WA, and Pearl Harbor HI. She was present for the birth of all three of her grandchildren, helping Cindy while Dave was often deployed.

Mary was a prolific collector of cookbooks and an excellent cook. She and Gene often made the rounds of garage sales and used book stores, often with granddaughter Kim and grandson James in tow.

Mary is survived by three children and spouses: James Edward and Cindy Wilson Bowen of Clear Lake. Cindy Bowen Transou and David Wall Transou III, U.S.N. Retired, of Clear Lake. Richard Earl Bowen of Baytown, and five grandchildren and spouses: David Wall Transou IV, William Edward Transou and Nikki Whittaker Transou, James Robert Transou and Heather Wilburn Transou, Kimberly Renea Bowen, and Stephen Dwayne Bowen, five great grandchildren Andrew, Kimberly, Kyle, Austin and Caitlyn, her BFF and roommate Norma, special friends Sam and Suzi Powers, Mildred Wilson and Uletta Floyd.

The family will receive friends from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Tuesday, November 24, 2015, at Navarre Funeral Home, 2444 Rollingbrook Drive, Baytown Texas. A graveside service will be held at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, November 25. 2015, at the Cedar Crest Cemetery in Baytown.

To view the online obituary or to post a tribute for the family, go to www.navarrefuneralhome.com

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Navarre Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 2444 Rollingbrook Dr., Baytown, TX, 77521 (281) 422-8111.