Carol Lorraine Howze Bowie , born February 6, 1932 in Birmingham, Alabama was the only daughter of the late Cleophas A. Howze and Luetta Edwards Howze. Her brother, Rudolph, is two years older and her brother, Clarence (deceased) was six years younger. Regardless of their age differences, Carol was extremely close to both of her brothers. She accepted Christ at an early age, at the historic Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, and remained a member for over 75 years.

She was educated in the Birmingham Public School System. Though most of her life was spent in Birmingham and summers in Farmville, North Carolina (her mother's home) the family moved to Wilmington, North Carolina during World War II, where her father worked in the shipyards. Carol often spoke fondly of the superb education she received in Wilmington during her junior high school years. The family returned to Birmingham and she completed her high school education at A. H. Parker High School and was Secretary of her Senior Class of 1949. She continued her education at Talladega College, graduating with honors in 1953 with a BA in Elementary Education and at the University of Alabama where she received her Masters of Elementary Education and Master of Education Specialist degrees.

While at Talladega College, Carol met and married her college sweetheart, and to that union she was blessed with two children, the late Michael Eugene Owens and Sharon Elaine Owens.  Years later she met and married the late Evell D. Bowie, Jr., the love of her life for over fifty-five years.  To this happy union she was blessed with two sons, Evell D. Bowie III and Jeffrey C. Bowie.

Carol gave 38 years of dedicated service to the Birmingham Public School System. She began her career as a third-grade teacher at Lewis Elementary School. Most of her career was spent at Spaulding Elementary School where she taught third thru eighth grades, along with music and served one year as temporary Assistant Principal.

Carol loved her church and was an active member for decades, serving many years as Youth Sunday School Teacher, Pianist, Organist, member of the Sanctuary and Gospel Choirs and Deaconess Board. She loved all forms of music and taught piano lessons in her home in the afternoons.  She enjoyed fun and fellowship as a member of Altruia Social Club, Parker High School Class of 1949 Alumni and served as President of the Birmingham Talladega College Alumni Association for many years.  As her daughter Sharon moved around the country, she developed a love for travel and visited many cities throughout the United States and several international destinations.

In retirement, Carol devoted herself to volunteer services, civic and community affairs, most of which provided historical perspectives and provided for the needs of others. As such, she served as a tour guide for the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church Museum and a volunteer with Retired Teachers of America and the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). Her caring spirit will always be felt amongst those whose lives she touched.

On September 8, 2020 Carol was rewarded by God and called to her Eternal Home. She was proceeded in death by her parents, Cleophas and Luetta Howze, husband, Evell D. Bowie Jr., and son Michael E. Owens. Carol leaves to cherish her  memory and legacy, her devoted and loving children, Sharon E. Owens of Atlanta, GA, Evell D. Bowie III of Huntsville, AL, Jeffrey C. Bowie (Karen); brother Rudolph Howze (Henriette) of Heidelberg, Germany; grandchildren, Translee (Trai)Macklin III of Atlanta, GA, Kloyd Krogan Bowie (Shaundra), Tallahassee, FL, Briana L. Hamilton (Royce), Marietta, GA, Gabrielle K. Bowie, Brooke N. Bowie; great-grandchildren Jayla, Kennedi, Cameron and Chance, nieces Karen Howze, Yolanda Bowie, Letricia Bowie-Richardson, Debbie Bowie Perry (Ray) and nephew Kenneth (Detra) Anderson of Hampton, GA, a devoted cousin, Regina Robinson (Norris); special girlfriends, Barbara Morland, Octavia Seaborn and Jesse Williams; Godsons  Morris Cleveland of Atlanta, GA, and Gerald Seaborn (Nikki); the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church family and a host of other relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers, contribute to the Carol H. Bowie Scholarship Fund at 16 ^th Street Baptist Church, 1530 6th Avenue North, Birmingham, AL 35203. The service will be online thru Facebook@smithandgastonfuneralhome.com

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