Mary Frances Owen Jowers
Mary Frances Owen Jowers, was born on March 5, 1944, in Marshall, Texas to Ruby and Roscoe Owen. She was the adored second daughter of a close and loving family. Blessed with 73 extraordinary years of life, in death she is reunited with her parents, brother, Jimmy Owen and brother-in-law, Tom Arnold.
Mary grew up on a dairy farm in East Texas surrounded by friends and family. As a vivacious young girl at Hallsville High School, she was a popular varsity cheerleader and a star basketball player. Following high school, Mary attended and was graduated from Tyler Junior College.
The arrival of Mary’s son, Donald, was to be a defining moment in her life. Fearlessly devoted to him, Mary instilled in Donald the qualities of resilience and benevolence. From watching Donald take his first steps to graduating from UT, throughout his professional career, marriage to JoEllyn and the arrival of her precious grandchildren, Mary has been the sole selfless advocate in his life.
However, Mary was also defined by her banking career that spanned over four decades. Starting as an executive assistant at First Security National Bank in downtown Beaumont, she rose to Vice President and Branch Manager at subsequent banking institutions until retiring to help Donald build his own business. During her expansive career in banking, Mary forged friendships with many colleagues and bank customers alike. It is during this time she met her life-long love, Buddy Low.
While exceedingly proud of her banking career, it was through her work in our community that enabled Mary to really shine. She served on numerous civic and volunteer boards that included the Beaumont Junior Forum, United Way, March of Dimes, Beaumont Main Street, The Art Museum of Southeast Texas and the City of Beaumont. Her endless dedication to those in need did not end there. Away from the spotlight and unknown to most, Mary bestowed accounting assistance, health care and long term care to those who could not provide for themselves. A uniquely compassionate woman, Mary touched the lives of those around her through quiet deeds and a beautiful smile. She had the unique ability to assess a situation and quickly offer assistance to someone, even before they realized their own need.
While travel with family enriched Mary’s life, it was the personal relationships she built with family and friends that truly completed her. Locally, she cherished her monthly HPG luncheons, evenings at Carrabba’s and the frequent impromptu visits from family and friends that always showcased her infectious laugh. Of equal importance to her were the daily phone conversations and text messages that linked her to out of town family and friends. Mary’s relationship with her daughter-in-law JoEllyn was as remarkable as she was. Built on mutual respect, the two were seldom apart and considered each other mother and daughter as well as best friends. However, what Mary most treasured was her time spent with Reid and Meredith.
Fondly known as “Grand Mary”, she was the beloved grandmother to not only Reid and Meredith but to every child she met. Never one to miss an event, she accepted every invitation she was offered and proudly watched those around her realize their accomplishments. Her bond with Reid was unbreakable and as one of Meredith’s most protective and tender caregivers, her presence will be profoundly missed.
Mary is survived by her son, Donald Jowers and his wife JoEllyn, her grandchildren, Reid and Meredith Jowers, her life-long companion, Buddy Low; and his sisters, Paula Beauchamp and Mary Lou Low. His children, Rachael Roane, Mark Low and Courteney Myrick and their spouses and children. She is also survived by her sisters, Martha Arnold, Gail Keasler and her husband, Kenn and sister-in-law, Betty Owen as well as multiple nieces and nephews.
Memorial contributions may be made to All Saints Episcopal School, 4108 Delaware Street, Beaumont, Texas 77706.
A gathering of Ms. Jowers’ family and friends will be 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.,with her memorial service to follow, Saturday, September 16, 2017, at Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont. Her committal will be held at Broussard’s Crematorium, Beaumont.
Video
- 5150 stivers Street beaumont tx 77705
Memorial Service
Memorial Service
- 2000 mcfaddin Avenue beaumont tx 77701
- 09/16/2017
- 12:00 pm
- 2000 mcfaddin Street beaumont tx 77701
- 09/16/2017
- 7:32 pm
Comments
Gerald Condon
My hear is sadden by the lost of my friend Mary. She was a wonderful lady who always brought a smile and great sense of humor whenever we met or worked together. Her laughter filled the moment. Mary was always a joy to around, no matter what the circumstance, and she worked tirelessly for our community, her family and friends. I pray for her families' peace in this time of loss. God bless Mary and her family.
David Holstead
Sweet Mary, now we go on with fond memories of all your facets. Thanks for the privilege of calling you friend.
Randy Trahan
Beaumont lost one of the sweetest people this week. Mary was a dear friend and she will be missed by everyone who knew her. My deepest condolences to her family.
Angela Baker
I am saddened and shocked as I learn of the death of this sweet, caring, wonderful person! Every time we ran into each other, it was a time to catch up and check on each other. One of the best people I knew. Praying for peace and comfort for her family. I will see you again one day, dear friend, and we will catch up.
Angela Baker
I am saddened and shocked to hear of the death of my sweet friend, Mary. Although we didn't see each other on a regular basis, when we ran into each other it was a time for catching up on each others lives. She was a special person and someone that I looked up to. I will see you again one day, Mary, and we will catch up. Praying for peace and comfort for family and friends of this remarkable lady.
Dana Archibald
What a beautifully written obituary.....she has been honored in death by such a "spot on" short but accurate depiction of who she is/was. I never found her without a smile, kind word, or offer of support in whatever way she could. It was an honor to have known her thru our mutual friend(s) - Carolyn McGuire and Claudie Green. This angel will join those who she loved and helped care for. She will be sorely missed by those she leaves behind and my heart breaks for her family to have lost her too soon. I know that she was so happy that JoEllen convinced her to make the move to her new home in Summerwood.....a wonderful place to have lived this last year and to have given her even more joy!
Linda Kelley Bridges
I am saddened by the loss of a beautiful, vivacious woman. Wherever she was, there was happiness and laughter. Several years ago I worked at First Security National Bank where Mary worked too. She was always a pleasure to be around. My condolences to her family and friends. Mary was one of a kind.
Paula Bothe
We miss our friend more than we can ever say. May flights of angels sing her to her rest.
Carolyn Mayfield
My deepest condolences to Donald and family. Mary was the best, as a friend and as a co-worker, thoughtful, pleasant, loving. She will be missed.
Ron Owen family
So hard saying good-bye to one of the best...one of the most organized and helpful person I've ever known...reunited with Pa-Paw, Granny, Dad, Uncle Tom and many others...we love you and will miss you, Mary...God Bless You!
Margi Chase
Mary was a delight to be around. Her laughter and sense of humor were unmatched. My heart is broken for your lose. May the good Lord wrap his arms around you and give you strength and comfort. She will be truly missed. God Bless you all.
Glenda (Croft) Haygood
I went to high school with Mary, she was a dear friend, sorry we lost touch with each other through the years. We never know when God is going to call us home. I for one knew she was a very sweet person, always had a wonderful personality, with a beautiful smile, a joy to always be around, My deepest sympathy goes out to her family. Her obituary fits her to a "T", glad she never changed. Rest in peace - sweet Mary. I know you will be missed.
Stephanie Glass Flatten
Mary was one of those moms - present at everything with a smile for everyone. She always expressed a genuine interest in all of Donald's friends and classmates. As an adult, I am able to recognize how she lived her life devoted to her family and committed to our community. As I watch Donald and JoEllyn continue that legacy - I know their hearts are broken. We all grieve for you both as well as Reid and Meredith, and all her loved ones. Mary was one of the greats.
Victoria Lord Murphy
Mary, you were an angel when angels were needed. May all those you have helped and protected, protect you now!! We love you so much. You've changed our lives!
Ronnie and Francine Clark
Our condolences for your loss.
Ronnie and Francine Clark
Our condolences for your loss.
Lynda Gore
I'm so very saddened to hear about Mary. She was always such a help and friend to me. My heart goes out to Donald & family & Dear Buddy. R.I.P. Dearest Mary
Mary Ann Archer
My prayers are with Mary's famil at this difficult time
Corbin Cooke
Mary was a wonderful lady, always interested in how you were when she answered the phone. She has great examples of her politeness and compassion with Donald and his family. God bless her and the family!
Marshall Mack Arnold
I went to high school with Mary. She was a delight for a classmate. And was a beautiful person and a great athlete. She spent lots of time making sure that her classmates could get together by setting up all of the reunions. I talked to her on the phone just a few weeks before she passed She was as delightful as ever and I will miss her a lot
Marshall Mack Arnold
I went to high school with Mary She was a beautiful girl and a great athlete. She played basketball Ike a wizard. She also spent a lot of time making sure that e as a class stayed in touch by setting up all the reunions. She was a delightful person and I will miss her a lot. I talked to her on the phone just a few weeks before she passed on. I am so glad that I got tpspend that few minutes with her
Barbara & Tommy Leicht
Mart's death was a great loss to her family, many friends and will be hard to replace in the work place and civic groups. Never a sweeter person, that was always there to listen and help. May Her soul and all the souls of the faithfully departed-Rest In Peace AMEN
mary callender
Mary and I worked together at First Security, Mary never failed to call me on my birthday for years . Rest in peace, my dear sweet friend, gone too soon.
NL
My sincere condolences to the family at this difficult time. May you all seek God for comfort, peace, strength and support (2 Cor 1:3).