BERTRAND -- Mary E. Hawkins Rowden, 81, died June 8, 2004, at the home of her caretaker, Gloria Quarles of Bertrand.
Born Aug. 16, 1922, in Charleston, daughter of the late Chester and Anna Mae Hawkins, she attended Charleston Public Schools and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in education from Lincoln University in Jefferson City. She retired from the Charleston R-1 School District after 45 years and was a member of Sander's Chapel A.M.E. Church in Wyatt, where she was the pianist.
On July 17, 1966, she married Authur "L.C." Rowden who preceded her in death on Aug. 22, 2002.
Survivors include: one foster daughter, Marva Jones of Washington, D.C.; and two foster grandchildren, Karlene Jones and Tonette Lancaster of Washington, D.C.
Visitation is from 1 p.m. Saturday at the Perry Chapel A.M.E. Church in Charleston until time for service at 2 p.m. The Rev. Debbie Thornton will officiate.
Burial will follow in the Oak Grove Cemetery at Charleston.
Williams Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.