Mary Lou Bowman Hampton, 86, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 3, 2024.

She was born in Binger, Oklahoma, on January 13, 1938, to parents Porter Morgan and Geneva Lou Shoptaw.

She graduated as Valedictorian of Binger High School and married James Oliver Bowman in 1955. She raised two children, Pamela Kay Mangus and James Douglas Bowman. She graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Primary Education from Central State University in 1974.

Education was her lifelong passion. She began her career as a first-grade teacher (Mrs. Bowman) at Tulakes Elementary School in the fall of 1975. She earned a master's degree in education from Central State University in 1979 and became part of the original faculty at Northridge Elementary School in 1980.

She was an active member of Mayfair Church of Christ for most of her life, where she attended ladies classes and many bible lessons. She met Calvin Hampton in a class at Mayfair and they were married in 1994. She retired from teaching that same year.

As a retired teacher, she still pursued her love of education by reading and sharing book reviews for large groups. She was a popular guest speaker in many of the country clubs and book clubs around Oklahoma. She was always known as an avid reader, often working through several books at a time.

Affectionately known as "Granny," she passed away at the Integris Hospice House in Oklahoma City, surrounded by her loving family.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Cal Hampton, and her special friend, Joe Staats.

She is survived by her children; Pamela Kay Mangus and husband Paul, and James Douglas Bowman and wife Margot; sister Carolyn Ruth Parmenter; grandchildren Brian and Andrea Mangus, Thomas and Leslie Mangus, Jenna and Andrew Mancello, Curtis Martin, Jefferson Bowman and Katie Darvin, and Robert and Lindie Bowman; great-grandchildren Owen, Connor, Joslyn, Addison, Avery, Aliyah, and Ares; Sisters-in-law Ann Bowman Palmer and Cheryl Burkhart; and friend Carolyn King.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Westview Boys' Home of Hollis, Oklahoma. Westviewboyshome.com