Cliff Bowers Jr. said his mother devoted much of her time to reading, traveling and attending church activities.
"Her activities in church were important to her," said the son of 86-year-old Betty Bowers, who died Tuesday at University Hospital. "She was very active in church and she taught Sunday School.
"And she was one of those voracious readers. She read a lot of religious books. To say that she had a favorite author would not be right."
Shortly after graduating from East Tennessee State Teachers College in 1937, Mrs. Bowers became a home economics teacher.
After moving around with her family, she settled in the Augusta area in the late 1950s. She taught at several schools, including A. Brian Merry Elementary.
She retired after more than 20 years of teaching.
A native of Hamilton County, Tenn., Mrs. Bowers was a member of St. John United Methodist Church.
In addition to reading, Mrs. Bowers took pleasure in cooking and needlepoint.
"My favorite thing for her to cook was butterscotch brownies," her son said, laughing.
Memorial services will be held at 3 p.m. today at Brandon Wilde. Burial will be in Chattanooga, Tenn., at a later date.
Survivors also include three sons; Rick Bowers, John Bowers and David Bowers; a daughter, Betsy Head; eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Reach Amy Connell at (706) 823-3220 or amy.connell@augustachronicle.com.
