Mariah was raised in Gracewood, Georgia, where she attended Floyd Graham Elementary School in Hephzibah. From an early age, she demonstrated a genuine love for learning and developed friendships that would last a lifetime. She later attended and proudly graduated from T. W. Josey High School.

At approximately 11 years of age, Mariah accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and was baptized, beginning a lifelong journey of faith. She became a devoted member of Live River Baptist Church, where she faithfully served for many years. Mariah generously shared her gifts through her participation in the choir and served with dedication and care as the church’s Secretary. Her faith and commitment to her church family remained a guiding force throughout her life.

In 1972, shortly after graduating from high school, Mariah began her distinguished federal career at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Savannah River Site. She entered the Word Processing Center as a typist and, through diligence, professionalism, and unwavering dedication, advanced into positions of increasing responsibility. Over the course of her career, she served as a Budget Analyst and ultimately retired in 2010 as an Industrial Security Specialist, completing 38 years of faithful and honorable service to the United States Government.

Mariah will be remembered as a woman of quiet strength, deep faith, and steadfast devotion to her family and loved ones. She was a source of guidance, encouragement, and comfort, always offering a listening ear, a kind word, and a steady presence. She touched many lives and was a caring, loving friend who was always willing to lend a helping hand. Even during her illness, Mariah continued to express her love and concern for others through unexpected phone calls and thoughtful gestures, reflecting her selfless and compassionate spirit.

Mariah was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Earnest Bowman, Sr., and Fannie Jo Bowman, and two brothers, George H. Elim and Earnest Bowman, Jr.

She leaves to cherish her loving memory two brothers, James H. Bowman (Mattie) of Maryland and Frank H. Bowman (Katrina) of Hephzibah; three sisters, Maggie Bowman Tate of Augusta, S. Lee Shorty (Wess) of Lithonia, and Jonell Bowman O’Bryant of Augusta; Two Sister in Laws, Viola Elim and Pamelia Bowman; a God Son, Dr. Terrance Johnson, along with a host of nieces and nephews, cousins, extended family members, and a multitude of dear friends.

Her legacy lives on through the many lives she touched, the special friendships she cultivated, and the enduring love she shared with her family, friends, and church community. Though she will be deeply missed, her spirit, values, and memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Public viewing will be Thursday, January 22, 2026, from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Live River Baptist Church, 3404 Jack Kelly Rd, Augusta, GA 30906

A celebration of life will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 23, 2026, at Kinsey & Walton Funeral Home, 3618 Peach Orchard Road, Augusta, GA.

Interment will follow at Mount Olive Memorial Gardens, 3666 Deans Bridge Road, Hephzibah, GA.

Kinsey & Walton Funeral Home, 3618 Peach Orchard Road, Augusta, GA. (706)790-8858.