By Madelyn Johnson
JACKSON – On March 29, Holy Child Jesus Catholic Church celebrated the life of Servant of God Sister Thea Bowman, FSPA.
Born on Dec. 29, 1937, Sister Thea converted to Catholicism at the age of nine and attended Holy Child Jesus School in Canton. A passionate educator and lover of music, she dedicated her life to teaching and advocating for faith and justice. After a courageous battle with breast cancer, she passed away on March 30, 1990, at the age of 52. Each year, Holy Child Jesus Catholic Church commemorates her life around the anniversary of her passing.
Holy Child Jesus was Sister Thea’s home parish, and the celebration drew many of her former students, colleagues, and friends. Participating choirs included Holy Child Jesus, Sacred Heart Canton and Camden combined choirs, Christ the King choir, and the Rembert Washington Memorial Chorale of Canton, led by Pastor John Woodard Jr. Soloists Frazier Riddell and Elaine Gager also performed. Artwork by Father Guy Wilson, ST, was sold to support Sister Thea Bowman Catholic School in Jackson, including special ornaments featuring Sister Thea’s likeness.
The spirit of Sister Thea resonated throughout the event, especially through songs like “I Just Wanna Praise You.” Attendees shared personal memories of Sister Thea and her ability to encourage people beyond their comfort zones.
Edd Hightower, one of Sister Thea’s former students, recounted a memorable experience:
“Sister Thea really had a way of getting everyone out of their comfort zone. She invited me on a trip to the Virgin Islands and invited me to go horseback riding. I was nervous, because I don’t like animals that are larger than me. The instructor told me how to control the horse with the reins, but I forgot it all the second he encouraged him forward. But you know what? That horse got me up the mountain and back down. I had to have faith in that horse. And I believe Sister Thea really wanted me to experience that.”
The choirs created an atmosphere of praise, with guests dancing and singing along. Frazier Riddell and Elaine Gager performed moving duets, while Pastor Woodard engaged the audience as his choir delivered a stirring performance. Pastor Woodard, a former student of Hightower, founded the Rembert Washington Memorial Chorale in honor of his mentor. Christ the King choir also delivered a dynamic performance, and in a powerful closing moment, Hightower took to the piano and invited all former students, teachers and choir members of Sister Thea to stand and sing together.
DeAsia Evans, who coordinated the choirs, also shared her memories of Sister Thea. Despite recently undergoing knee replacement surgery, she stood before the crowd, proclaiming:
“I just had a knee replacement, but Lord willing I am standing up here on two feet today ready to give some praise and celebrate Sister Thea!”
To view more photos of the event visit: https://jacksondiocese.zenfoliosite.com/galleries/events/celebration-of-the-life-of-sister-thea-bowman?ct=2
