Elizabeth (Cohen) Bowman

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. The battle has been fought, the victory has been won, Mrs. Elizabeth “Bet” Cohen Bowman entered thy master’s joy on December 9, 2020, Pruitt Health, Walterboro, South Carolina.

It does not matter how you begin your life; it is how you live when life ends.  Mrs. Elizabeth “Bet” Cohen Bowman was born to the late Jimmy Cohen, Sr., and Ellen Dupree Cohen on October 2, 1937.

She attended the public schools of Hampton County, but soon jumped into the work force as a factory worker for many years. Later, becoming a lead field hand at both. Through this affiliation, she gained the respect of others and made many friends and acquaintances along the way.  She was known to many as “Bet” and simply “Mama” to both her children and grandchildren.

Bet had the biggest heart anyone could ever have, always willing to lend a helping hand; not to mention, always willing to drive anyone anywhere they needed to go. She had genuine love for everyone, especially family. Everyone was special to her in their own unique way from her siblings, to her children, grandchildren, and family. Mother Bowman had a great love for flowers, fruit cake, and good gospel singing. She loved traveling, especially if she was alongside her best friend and sister Louise.

Mother Bowman met and married the late Esau Bowman, Sr., in 1952, to this union seven children were born. She was preceded in death by three sons, one daughter, five grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.

Serving God has always been the most important aspect of her life.  In 1953, she received the Holy Spirit at (Furman Holiness Church) New Church of Christ, Furman SC. Later in life, she became a member of Free Born Deliverance Church.  She later moved her membership again, seeing fit to rejoin her former and longtime friend/co-worker, Bishop Peter Jones of the Temple of Faith Ministry, Ridgeland SC. Mother Bowman served many capacities in the church over the years, one thing she had a passion for was singing in the church and keeping her grandchildren in church.  One of her other great loves was her love for flowers.

She leaves to cherish her loving memories: one daughter, Gloria D Graves of the home; two sons, Esau Bowman, Jr. and Willie J. Bowman, both of Furman SC; twelve grandchildren; twenty-two great grandchildren; five great-great grandchildren; one sister, Louise Williams, Lena SC; one brother, who was raised like a son, Ray Charles Cohen, Washington D.C; one sister-in-law, Fleeta Cohen, Beaufort, SC; one uncle, Marion Cohen; sidekick, great grandchild, Jamari Wilson who was dedicated to her every move. Although, all grandchildren were special to her; it was something about Mari. Her devoted granddaughter, Shamekia Wright; personal care givers, granddaughters, Veronica and Ke’Owannia Graves; grands, Daphne and Marvin were both raised as her own; godson and nephew, Joseph Cohen; a few she called “Her gal”, Andrea Gadson, Lola Cohen Washington and Rachel Williams; special nephew, Jerame Cohen; along with a host of other nieces and nephews; devoted friends and cousins, Emily Reed and Lillian Brown; a host of dedicated family members and friends.

Due to the current state of (COVID-19) pandemic and in order to promote social distancing, as ordered by the Governor for the State of South Carolina, anyone entering the funeral home for viewing; as well as attending all graveside services must wear a mask. We will also limit the number of persons allowed to enter the funeral home at any given period during the viewing process.  We ask that you leave the premise upon exiting the building. The family is most appreciative to each of you for  your prayers and considerations during this difficult time in their lives.

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