TINSMAN — Martha Rae Bowen,

born July 9, 1931, 88, of Hampton, Ark., went to be in her heavenly home on June 12, 2020 departing from this earth from the NEA Baptist Hospital in Jonesboro, Ark. She was a lifelong resident of the Tinsman, Ark., community until she moved to Jonesboro in December 2015.

Martha Rae loved to garden, can vegetables from the garden, crochet, and quilt. She was a member of the Harrell United Methodist Church. She spent thirty-four years of her life dedicated to teaching students in the Tinsman and Hampton Public Schools before retiring in 1985. She had the heart of a servant.

After retirement, she volunteered in the Hampton community by being a member of a community team that distributed commodities to many residents of Calhoun County. She was a loving wife, mother, and educator. She will be greatly missed.

Martha Rae is preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, A.J. Bowen. Her mother and father, Martha and Ray Watson of Tinsman, her brothers, Buddy Watson of Harrell, Ark., and Randy Watson of Tinsman and one sister, Allene Fugate of Marina Del Ray, Calif. She is survived by her three sons and their families: Jerry Bowen and his wife Laura of Jonesboro, Ark., Greg and his wife Joy of Norphlet, Ark., and Freddie and his wife Kristi of Jonesboro, Ark., along with seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, there will only be a graveside service to be held at the Watson Cemetery near Tinsman. The service will be Wednesday, June 17, 2020 at 10 a.m., with Brother Mike Nutt officiating. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to the Watson Cemetery, c/o Ms. Janie Reaves, 7862 Calhoun 81, Hampton, Ark., 71744. To sign the online register visit www.bentonfuneralhome.net. May God’s grace and mercy flow to all she is leaving behind.