Gwendolyn E. Bowler of Spotsylvania County passed away Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2013, at Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center.

A dedicated teacher who touched many children, Mrs. Bowler began her career in Rich Square, N.C. She came to Fredericksburg in 1962 to teach first grade at Walker-Grant School. After city schools were fully integrated in 1968, she taught first grade at Hugh Mercer Elementary School until she retired in 1991.

She was a faithful member of Shiloh Baptist Church (New Site), where she served in several ministries: Chancel Choir, Women's Club, Pastor's Aid Club, Sunday School and Bible School teacher and church secretary. She served on community boards: Spotsylvania Social Services, Spotsylvania Black Civic League and Anne Hamrick House. She also was a member of the Progressors Social Club.

She leaves to cherish her memory her loving and devoted husband, James E. Bowler; two stepsons, Alonzo Bowler (Cheryl) of Richmond and Nelson Bowler (Audrey) of Fredericksburg; daughter-in-law Kim Bowler; eight stepgrandchildren; four stepgreat-grandchildren; two aunts, Ophelia McDonald and Ernestine Edmonds and uncle James McDonald, all of Fayetteville, N.C.; special cousin James "Jack" Lawrence; and a host of other relatives and friends.

A viewing will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 24, at A.L. Bennett and Son Funeral Home, 200 Butternut Drive, and one hour before the 1 p.m. service on Monday, Feb. 25, at Shiloh Baptist Church (New Site), 525 Princess Anne St. Burial will be in Stafford Memorial Park.