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In memoriam: Missionary emeritus Susan Bowers, 1958-2024

Portrait of Susan Bowers. IMB Photo

Susan Bowers, an International Mission Board missionary emeritus who shared the gospel in Thailand, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru and Colombia, died Aug. 18, 2024, in Hartwell, Georgia. She was 65.  

Susan was born Sep. 26, 1958, in Atlanta, to the late Emmett Iverson Underwood Sr. and Mary Henley Underwood. She graduated from Lithia Springs High School and received the Bachelor of Arts from University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, Mississippi; the Master of Divinity from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, New Orleans, Louisiana; and the Master of Social Work from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky.  

Susan grew up going to church and came to genuine faith in Christ at the age of 17. During college in   Hattiesburg, Susan was involved in the Baptist Student Union and attended a local church. While seeking missionary appointment, Susan wrote, “Both organizations played a major role in my spiritual development and growth. I also became involved in their missions activities.” She participated in mission trips during school breaks and was a summer missionary to Missouri, Nevada and New York. Her call to missions was nurtured by these experiences.  

After graduation from college, Susan moved to Bangkok, Thailand, as part of the Journeyman program with the International Mission Board where she worked with refugees. During this experience, God confirmed her call to international missions. Upon her return to the U.S., she enrolled in seminary to prepare for full time missionary service. While in seminary, she met and married Stephen W. Bowers, who shared her call to international missions.  

In 1988, the International Mission Board appointed Stephen and Susan missionaries to Ecuador where they served in evangelism, church planting and social work. They also served in Costa Rica, Peru, and later moved to Colombia. Susan served with the IMB for 34 years. 

She is survived by Stephen, her husband of 40 years; two sons, Corbin J. Bowers (Avory), Charleston, West Virginia; and Austin C. Bowers (Lynsie), Greenville, South Carolina; and three grandchildren. 

A funeral service was held Aug. 21, at Sardis Baptist Church, with burial in Sardis Baptist Church Cemetery. 

Donations in her memory may be made to the Lottie Moon Offering, IMB, 3806 Monument Avenue, Richmond, VA, 23230, or online at Generosity Resource Center – IMB Generosity.

Read an obituary here.