Mary Eleanor Bower

August 3, 1930 - May 9, 2022

Mary Eleanor Green Bower was born on August 3, 1930 in Corsicana, Texas. She passed from this life on May 9, 2022 at the age of 91. Eleanor was preceded in death by her parents, W.A. and Leta (Slaughter) Green, and her son, Melba L. (Butch) Bower, Jr. She is survived by her husband of 71 years, Melba L. Bower, Sr, daughter, Rexanne (Bower) and husband, Wade Thomas of Lindale, Texas, and her brother, Allen Green and wife, Jean of Grand Junction, Colorado. Survivors also include daughter-in-law, Terry Bower of Corsicana, four grandchildren: Kristy Johnson and husband Chris of Garland, Cheryl Jennings and husband John of Rockport, Shelley Hill of Lubbock, and Gary Bower and wife Rebecca of Corsicana, seven great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Eleanor was a member of the church of Christ. She served as the church secretary for the Westhill church of Christ for 45 years prior to her retirement in 2008. She was instrumental in establishing Cradle Roll Bible Classes for infants and toddlers. She and Melba served as cooks for Bandina Christian Camp and retreats at Lake Fort Parker. Eleanor was also part of a church mission trip to Sakhalin Island (Russia) where their group was allowed to teach English lessons to school children using the Bible as their textbook. Eleanor was a lifelong resident of Corsicana and a 1947 graduate of Corsicana High School. She was active in the Bowie Elementary PTO, serving as secretary, and the Corsicana Band Parents Association . She was a group leader for Bluebirds and Camp Fire Girls groups. Eleanor was an accomplished quilter and a member of the Piecemakers Quilt Guild of Corsicana. Through the years she served as an officer of the Guild in several capacities, including one term as President.