02/28/2025
A great lady!
The Cayce Historical Museum is celebrating Black History Month with social media posts on local African Americans and the history of Cayce, South Carolina. We thank our museum’s African American Committee for their hard work and contributions to this effort! In the heart of Cayce resides Mrs. Rosa Mae Bowman, a venerable woman whose life unfolds like the pages of a cherished novel. Born in 1928 in the now-disincorporated town of Tabernacle, SC (now called Pelion, SC), she was the only daughter of Charlie Blackwell and Nancy Lee. She graduated from Tabernacle Elementary School and finished high school at Booker T. Washington High School, now the B.T. Washington Auditorium, which consists of the Fannie Phelps Adams classroom.
She witnessed the transformative years of the mid-20th century, growing up in a small town that thrived on close-knit relationships and shared values. As a teenager, she navigated the challenges of segregation in rural South Carolina.
Nevertheless, she held onto the resilience that would define her character for decades. Over the years, Rosa Mae became an integral part of the fabric of Cayce, contributing not only through her 6 children and husband, the late Bill Bowman but also by fostering a sense of unity among neighbors and the community. She was a friendly face and a warm spirit as she worked for over 30 years at K-Mart in Cayce.
Her life story is a testament to the evolving landscape of our community. Widowed later in her life, as well as overcoming the passing of two children, she demonstrates unwavering strength and determination. Despite the hardships, she remains an active participant in the lives of her family. Constantly sharing her wisdom with younger generations and leaving an indelible mark on the city of Cayce. Additionally, she is the mother and a licensed minister of Mount Pleasant Baptist Church of Cayce, SC. Moreover, she gave her initial sermon at the beautiful age of 93.
As the years have advanced, her home has become a gathering place for stories,
fellowship, and laughter. Ms. Bowman embodies the spirit of strength that will define her legacy in the lives of her family and the Cayce community.
