Carolyn Merrill McKinney Bowers

October 11, 1946 - March 7, 2022

Carolyn Merrill McKinney Bowers, 75, devoted wife to Paul Mahon Bowers, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, March 7, 2022, at her home while surrounded by her loving family. Carolyn was the beloved only child of the late Palmer Alton and Margaret Merrill McKinney. After graduating from North Greenville University and Furman University, she taught for 30 years in elementary education, with her longest tenure at Ebenezer Elementary School. Carolyn’s love for children was the basis for her teaching career as well as her community involvement, which included fundraising for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and serving on various Parent Teacher Association boards. She was also a Cub Scout Leader and “Den Mother”. Carolyn, or Nana, as her grandchildren lovingly called her, delighted in spending time with her family. From backyard picnics to lake trips, she treasured family moments and always found ways to make them special. She attended each grandchild’s activity with much joy and pride. Her memory will forever be cherished in the hearts of her husband of 54 years, Paul Bowers; her son and daughter-in-law, Matthew Mahon and Leslie Hook Bowers; grandson, Chase Mahon Bowers and his fiancé Jordan Hamon; and two granddaughters, Delaney Rae Bowers and Addyson Merrill Bowers, all of Travelers Rest. A graveside service to celebrate Carolyn’s life will be held on Wednesday, March 9, 2022 at 11 a.m. at Locust Hill Baptist Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 510 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or online at stjude.org.