Bowers, Linda
1937 - 2021
Linda Caroline Briggs Bowers, born October 13, 1937 in Canton, North Carolina, passed away on August 22, 2021. Preceded in death by her mother Norma Ethel Briggs, father Oscar Lee Briggs, Jr. and former husband and lifetime friend, Paul Chadwick Bowers, Jr. Linda was raised in Canton by her mother; uncle, Bruce Arthur Briggs, and grandmothers, Ethel Trull Rickards and Arnissie Miller Briggs and surrounded by a loving and supportive extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins. Family remained a central part of Linda’s life and she maintained these relationships throughout her life despite time and distance. A warm, loving, and gregarious woman, Linda made connections everywhere she went. It was not unusual for the employees of stores she frequented to know her name. Her home was often filled with guests enjoying her charming hospitality. She sustained friendships with neighbors, schoolmates, and the many wonderful people she met though her work. Linda was especially attached to her “adopted” daughters, Cheryl Sefchick and Deborah Kaple. She was a proud and active grandmother, and made the most of the proximity to her grandchildren, attending countless performances, ceremonies, celebrations, outings, and vacations with them. A graduate of Canton High School (1955); Pfeiffer University, (1959, Summa Cum Laude and Senior Citizenship Award); Graduate studies in English at Florida State University and Unc–chapel Hill, Linda was passionate about learning. She was a voracious reader, traveler, consumer of news, patron of the arts, supporter of local craftsmen and social justice advocate. Her 33-year career at The Ohio State University included positions with the American Association for the Advancement of Slavic Studies, the Library system and culminated with her role as a Director of Leadership Gifts, University Development. She was fortunate to have found a career that was her passion and joy. Upon retiring, Linda turned her considerable energy to service at the Franklin Park Conservatory, and the Columbus Museum of Art. She was a longtime homeowner and community booster in Clintonville. Survived by daughter, Carolyn Elaine (Steve) Michalski; sons, David Paul (Mika) Bowers and Stephen Briggs Bowers, who was also her caretaker; grandchildren, Helena and Annaliese Michalski, Sean, Erin and Leah Bowers; sister, Marianna Briggs of West Falls, NY; and brother, Richard Briggs of Ripplemead, VA. A celebration of life will be held at Schoedinger Funeral Home, 6699 N High St., Worthington, OH on Tuesday, August 31, 2021 from 3-5pm.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to The Clintonville-beachwold Community Resources Center, clintonvillecrc or OSU Friends of the Libraries, giveto.osu.edu/makeagift/?fund=301119. Please visit www.schoedinger. com to leave a special memory or condolence for the family. Arrangements have been entrusted to the SCHOEDINGER WORTHINGTON funeral home.