Willie Mae Bowen

Willie Mae Wilson Bowen, born on October 13, 1932, passed away peacefully on July 7, 2026, at the age of 93. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bob Bowen; her parents, Willie Eugene and Dora Lomax Wilson; and her siblings, Muriel Everhart, Catherine Davis, Dot McBride, Lee Crowell, and Hollis Wilson. She is survived by her children, Beth Mathews (Dan Mathews), Bobby Bowen (Lori Bowen), and Bill Bowen (Allison Canady). She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren, Ben Mathews (Whitney Davis), Mary Mathews (Lindsey Stroker), Clay Bowen, Hunter Williams, and Katie Williams; and her treasured great-grandchild, Rory Mathews.

A native of Davidson County, NC, Willie Mae attended Catawba College, where she majored in music. During her time there, she proudly performed with the Catawba College Band, sang in the college choir, and served as president of the Clef Club from 1953 to 1954. It was at Catawba that she met Bob Bowen, a fellow member of the college band, and the two fell in love and later married.

A gifted pianist, Willie Mae shared her love of music throughout her life. To generations of students, however, she was best known as "Mrs. Bowen," a devoted history teacher who retired from Lexington City Schools. Many in the community will also remember her for her work as a docent (traveling educator) at the Davidson County Historical Museum, where she shared her love of history and helped bring the stories of America's past to life. Her talent for storytelling allowed her to captivate those around her with her memories, humor, and vivid tales, making every conversation both memorable and meaningful. She was also a member of the Lexington Women's Club and the Garden Club.

Wherever Willie Mae went, she was often greeted by former students eager to tell her how much she had influenced their lives. Her warm heart, gentle spirit, and genuine smile made everyone around her feel welcome and valued. In her retirement years, she loved working in her garden, taking golf cart rides with her granddogs, doing puzzles, watching birds, and gathering with family in Churchland. Willie Mae will be remembered for her unwavering optimism, her love for her family, her laughter, and the countless lives she touched. She will be deeply missed by her family and all who knew her.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, July 12, at Piedmont Funeral Home, 405 South Main Street, Lexington. The family will receive friends from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m., with the memorial service following at 4:00 p.m. in the chapel.