Pamela V Bowers

Pamela V. Bowers, 76, passed away Friday, February 20th, 2026, in the comfort of home and her husband by her side.

Born in Ducktown, Tennessee, to Wayne Allen Van de Mark and Florence McClintock Van de Mark of Storm Lake, Iowa. Pam lived a life defined by warmth, curiosity and wholehearted devotion to the people she loved. She graduated from Copperhill High School, where she played varsity basketball, and later earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Tennessee in 1971, specializing in textiles.

An athlete at a time when that path was not always encouraged for women, she carried both talent and confidence into everything she pursued-from slalom water skiing on the University of Tennessee club team to snow skiing, fishing and golf. She learned early how sports could play a powerful role in her life and later her family's.

She built a notable career as a buyer for Thalhimers and JCPenney, combining creativity with a keen eye and strong work ethic. In 1977, she met the love of her life, John B. Bowers Jr., on "the love boat" cruise to Bermuda, and they married the following year. Together they began a family in Harrisonburg in 1981, welcoming their first daughter, later moving to Richmond and celebrating the birth of their second daughter in 1983.

Over the years, home was many places-Annapolis, Ashland and ultimately Murrells Inlet-but wherever she lived, she created a sense of belonging. She was a skilled dinner party host, a gifted cook and decorator, a talented sewer and furniture upholsterer, and a notable Virginia VPI Master Gardener. She was affectionately called, "Martha Stewart." Her home was always full-of delicious food, thoughtful details, laughter and fantastic cocktails.

Above all else, she was devoted to her family. She showed up-on the sidelines, at swim meets, on fields and courts-cheering, organizing, encouraging and believing. Because someone once believed in her, she made sure her daughters always knew someone believed in them. That quiet, unwavering support became one of her greatest gifts.

She is survived by her husband of 48 years, John B. Bowers Jr.; her daughters, Lauren B. Crabtree (Nicholas) and Lindsey B. Bauer (Charles); her grandchildren, Cathryn and Caroline Crabtree, and Charles and Bruce Bauer; and her sister, Suzanne Van de Mark of Atlanta, Georgia.

She will be remembered for her strength, generosity, and the way she made people feel seen, supported and at home. Her legacy lives on in the lives she shaped, the traditions she created and the love she gave so freely.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Tidelands Community Hospice, 2591 N. Fraser Street, Georgetown, SC 29440. https://www.tidelandshospice.org/donate/ Our hearts will be forever grateful for the support they provided Pam and our family.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, March 5th at 3:00PM at Burroughs Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 3558 Old Kings Hwy, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576, with a reception immediately following

To view these details online or to offer words of comfort through the online guest book, visit www.burroughsfh.com.

Burroughs Funeral Home and Cremation Service (843.651.1440) of Murrells Inlet is assisting the family with arrangements.