Pearl E. Bowers, 74

MAGNOLIA - Pearl E. Bowers, of Magnolia, departed this life Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2008, in Bayhealth-Kent General Hospital, Dover. She was 74.

She was born Jan. 14, 1934, in Parkley, Va., to the late Lillian and McKinley Coleman Sr.

Pearl was educated in the Parkley School District area.

After moving to Dover, she was united in marriage to Charles E. Bowers Sr. and from that union, eight children were born.

Pearl was a member of Union Baptist Church of Dover and affiliated with St. James Union A.M.E. of Frederica.

Her employment was based around driving for various school bus companies in the area for many, many years.

In later years, Pearl drove for Hilton Bus Service and Capitol School District until she retired and then joined Dawson Bus Service until she retired again in January 2007.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles E. Bowers Sr.; three brothers, McKinley Coleman Jr., Charles Coleman and Mack Dukes.

Pearl leaves to cherish her memories, three daughters, Frances Oliver of Mississippi, Carolyn Bowers of Houston and Sheila Bowers of Dover; five sons, Jerry Bowers, Charles Bowers and Curtis Bowers, all of Dover, Irwin Bowers of Magnolia, and Carlton Bowers of Pennsylvania; one sister, Patsy Coleman of Seaford; three brothers, William Coleman and James Coleman, both of Dover, and Marvin Dukes of Atlanta, Ga.; 15 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends; and four very special friends, Patsy Maze, Phyllis Berry, and Scott and Edward Doman.

Services will be 5 p.m. Saturday in Bennie Smith Funeral Home, where friends may view one hour prior.

Burial will be 11 a.m. Tuesday in the Delaware Veterans Cemetery, Bear.