Carolyn Joyce (Layne) May Bowman's Obituary
Carolyn Joyce (Layne) May Bowman, 84, Alachua, died unto new life on April 8 of complications from pulmonary fibrosis.
Born in Greenwood, South Carolina, hers was a life of family, faith, good conversation, a devotion to education, a desire to better her community, and a deep love of choral and classical music. Born into humble means, she worked hard at achieving and rising out of poverty and excelled in her academic achievements.
After meeting a young man she’d met at Salvation Army Summer Camp, she married him, becoming the wife of Bob May, in 1954, just after graduating from Lander College with a degree in music. After a brief stint with NASA, she became a devoted wife and mother of four.
As a homemaker, she supported Bob’s career with the Veterans’ Administration and their frequent moves for his career advances. As her husband and two sons were all enlisted servicemen at various times, she was a proud supporter of the US Military. Her greatest commitment was to her family, where she enjoyed years of supporting Bob and their moves to Atlanta, Cleveland, St. Petersburg, Seattle, Montgomery, Bowie, MD and others. They made dear friends and joined wonderful Presbyterian churches wherever they lived.
Carolyn was a gifted hostess and marvelous chef, and their cocktail parties and gatherings were memorable. Many church choirs benefitted from her beautiful voice and piano accompaniment.
She received her masters’ degree in Education from Auburn, and in her mid-40s, became a middle school guidance counselor. For 20 years she helped young people and their families optimize their education, all while giving her kids and their parents maximum encouragement and genuine care.
They moved to Lake City in 1978 and loved their neighborhood and church. Despite their divorce in 1988, Carolyn and Bob remained warm friends, devoted to happy family times with their children and grandchildren. Carolyn enjoyed a deeply meaningful career as a middle school guidance counselor in the Lake City school system, touching lives and building life-long friendships with her colleagues.
She later moved to Alachua and joined First Presbyterian Church of Gainesville and their excellent Chancel Choir. Since then, she has contributed significantly in the alto section and to their choral excellence under the leadership of her beloved conductor, Dr. Mark Coffey. She built many happy memories with their choir and also with her daughter attending conferences in Montreat, North Carolina. St. Augustine was also a special place to spend time with friends and family.
After retirement, she gave herself to church work and travel. She was strong and tenacious. In 2014, her husband Dean enjoyed her invitation to share her homemade spaghetti and meatballs. Winning his heart immediately, Dean fell deeply in love with Carolyn. A year later they were married and have treasured their close companionship, rich conversation, and life-giving days. The onset of her illness was an unexpected turn in their journey together, but Dean’s incredible commitment to Carolyn saw her through this most difficult part of their life together, her faith helped her trust and know that heaven would welcome her. In addition to their pastor, Dr. Bob Shettler, they were sustained through the prayerful presence of dear Dr. Don McGarity and their many friends and neighbors.
Carolyn’s parents, Eulalia and John Layne, predeceased her in death. She is survived by her husband, Dean, her children Bob, Jr (Pat), St. Augustine; David (Theresa), Albany, GA; Amanda (Billy) Dye, Minneapolis, MN; and Melissa (Jim) Rogers, Ann Arbor, MI. She was the doting grandparent of eight grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, her first husband Bob (Marie), and her sister Evangeline (Cliff), of Huntsville, Al, and many treasured nieces, nephews, and countless friends.
Carolyn thrived on being with people and encouraging others. Her kind words, wise advice, and her ability to connect deeply with those around her will be missed, as well as her lovely piano-playing. A life of faith that was rich with Jesus’ love and prayer for others has now carried her into the life everlasting. She lives on in all those she shaped and loved.
A memorial service in witness to her resurrection to eternal life will be held on Saturday, April 28, 2018 at 2:00 p.m., at First Presbyterian Church, Gainesville, FL, with a time to greet the family following, and a reception. In lieu of flowers, donations in honor of Carolyn’s life are welcome to the Sacred Music Fund, First Presbyterian Church, Gainesville, FL, or the Pastoral Discretionary Fund at First Presbyterian Church, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
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