Rachel Theo Bowers

Bowers Rachel Theo Bowers, 76, of Hagerstown MD, passed from this life Thursday, February 6, 2014 at Meritus Hospital after a long illness. Born October 24, 1937 in Foster Falls, Virginia. She was one of nine children of the late Samuel Irington and Anna Letitia Armbrister Surratt. She is preceded in death by her infant brother Wilfred Irington Surratt. Theo was a graduate of Central High School, Columbus Ohio; studied painting under Herr Herzfeld, Wiesbaden Germany, and Art Therapy at Hagerstown Community College. She was married on January 3, 1960 in Columbus, Ohio to SSgt. Philip David Bowers (USAF), son of William and Edna Bowers of Hagerstown, Maryland. Theo moved frequently in her life as an Air Force wife. Various assignments took the family to Lockborne AFB, Ohio; Plattsburgh AFB, NY; Lackland AFB, Texas; Langley AFB, Virginia; Grand Forks AFB, North Dakota; and Wiesbaden, Germany where her husband Phil served at Headquarters USAFE, Lindsay Air Station. Theo was a very creative person in all aspects of her life. She was an avid life-long artist whose creative talents spanned oil painting, watercolor, pen and ink, quilt design and creation, ecclesiastical embroidery, and sewing. She also enjoyed writing and working on ideas for a children's book. In addition, Theo was an exceptional cook, enjoyed gardening, and loved reading. She worked at Hagerstown Junior College, Woodmen of the World, and The Gentle Nudge. She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Philip D. Bowers of Hagerstown, Maryland; children, Karla Bowers Gullette and her husband Thomas Lawson Gullette of Potomac Falls, Virginia, Bruce David Bowers and his wife Amy York Bowers of Frederick, Maryland. Additional family members Irene Goodrich, Ruth Shea, Nan (Jack) Gemple, Lynn Stout, Joe (Bev) Surratt, Edwin Surratt, and Jack (Evelyn) Surratt. Other close family friends, Nancy, Liz, Bev, Jerry, Roz, Kathy, and Goddaughter Heidi Finley. The celebration of Theo's life will be Saturday February 22, 2014 at 11 a.m. at DOUGLAS FIERY FUNERAL HOME, 1331 Eastern Blvd. N. Hagerstown. The family will receive friends at 10:30, 30 minutes prior to the celebration and ask that all who come wear bright joyful colors. The Rev Brian Triller will officiate and Mr. Norm Weaver will be playing the bagpipes. In lieu of flowers, Memorial donations may be made to the Rachel Theo Bowers Art Scholarship at Hagerstown Community College - HCC Foundation, 11400 Robinwood Drive, Hagerstown, MD 21742.