Jane Parkman Murphy Bowles

Jane Parkman Murphy Bowles born on May 4, 1932, in Chattahoochee, Florida to Frances (Johnson) and David Stanley Parkman, passed away on November 13, 2014. Jane became a Christian at an early age and remained active in church throughout her lifetime, reflecting the Godly teachings of her parents and grandparents. At an early age she began singing and studying piano and pursued her love of music as a career. After graduating from Chattahoochee High School, she attended Tift College later transferring to Florida State University to complete a degree in vocal performance. She was a member of Sigma Alpha lota and Pi Beta Phi. She remained a proud member of the FSU Alumni Society and served two terms as President of the FSU Emeritus Alumni Society. Upon graduation from FSU, she began her teaching career at Andrew College in Cuthbert, Georgia. She returned 27 years later to Andrew for her last teaching position. The interim years provided teaching opportunities with Dykes High School, Truett-McConnell College and Pace Academy in Atlanta and later as an Elementary Specialist in Columbus, Georgia. While teaching in Atlanta she earned her Master of Music degree from Georgia State University. Through the years she served in several capacities with the Georgia Music Educator Association and was twice elected to the State Board of Directors of GMEA. In her professional career, she was a member of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chamber Chorus under Robert Shaw, a soloist with the Lubbock, Texas Symphony and the featured soloist at eight Peach Bowls. She was always involved in church music as a soloist and often as choir director for churches wherever her family lived. As a long-time member of Wieuca Road Baptist Church she was a frequent soloist and was a leader in the music program for children – her first love. When she moved to Marietta in 2007, she became a member of First United Methodist Church and the Jack Aaron Sunday School class. She was an ardent supporter of the music program and staff. Jane was predeceased by her husband, Jesse Groover Bowles, Jr.. Her siblings, all deceased, were Stanley Parkman, Tol Parkman, and Frances P. Wilson. She is survived by her daughter, Mary Jane Bennett (Sterling) of Marietta; her son, Robert Murphy, Jr. (Amanda); granddaughter, Margaret Claire Murphy; and grandson, Garrett Parkman Murphy of Vestavia Hill, AL. Additional survivors include, Michael Bennett, Megan Nordoff, and Matthew Bennett; six step-grandchildren; nieces; nephews; cousins; and extended family and friends. Services will be held Sunday, November 16th at 2:30 p.m. at the First Methodist Church of Marietta. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service in the church parlor. Graveside Services will be held 1:00 p.m., Monday, November 17th at Riverdale Cemetery in Columbus, Georgia. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the church or charity of choice. We miss and will always love our dear Grandjane. www.mayeswarddobbins.com 770-428-1511

Jane Parkman Murphy Bowles

May 4, 1932 - November 13, 2014