Georgia B (Bowden) Lockwood

Georgia (Bowden) Lockwood, 75 years old, passed away peacefully at Carbondale Memorial Hospital on February 2, 2024, with her husband and friends by her side. Georgia was born on October 29, 1948, in St. Louis, Missouri to Cleata Sue Bowden and George Orville Bowden.

Georgia was a 1966 graduate of Herrin High School. At a young age she developed a passion for learning and literature that led her to dedicate her life to the study of English Education.

She spent many years at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale in the late 1960s and 1970s. While earning her BA in English, she wrote for the KA newspaper and participated in the SIU student government. Georgia was a strong proponent for political change on SIU’s campus and fought particularly hard for women’s rights. She would go on to earn a M.S. in Secondary Education with a concentration in English in 1975.

It was also during her time at SIU that she met the love of her life, David. They were inseparable from the moment they met. They were married on August 19, 1972, in an outdoor wedding at her parents’ home. Together they shared 51 years of marriage and countless memories of love and laughter.

Two weeks after their wedding ceremony she would begin her illustrious teaching career at Marion Junior High School as an english, speech, drama, and journalism instructor. In 1978 she moved to Marion High School as an English instructor. Georgia, always one to challenge herself, received her PhD in Education (Curriculum and Instruction) in 2002. Dr. Georgia Lockwood then finished out her teaching career of 41 years at the Marion Extension Center.

Georgia’s knowledge of literature and the writing process were second to none.  Her ability to share that knowledge in a way that touched every student was a true gift. Georgia had the ability to connect with everyone making her the favorite teacher of thousands of students. She had an abundance of professional accomplishments, but none were as important to her as the influence and impact she had on her students.

As much as she loved literature, teaching and music, Georgia had one true love in her life, her husband, David. The bond they shared was nothing less than extraordinary and together they built a life they loved. Their zeal for history inspired many of their trips together. Georgia cherished the memories of their travels out west, especially their trips to Wyoming, Colorado and Montana. They also enjoyed their many adventures to Key West over the years with great friends and family.

When they weren’t traveling Georgie and David enjoyed spending time around their home and “Lake Lockwood.” Georgia adored the deer and hummingbirds that would frequent the pristine landscape surrounding their home. She looked forward to her monthly Book Club with “her girls.” There was more talking and laughing than reading, but she never missed an opportunity to teach a book or poem to her former students and dear friends.

The legendary soundtrack of Georgia’s life is full of love and passion and will play on for generations to come in the stories and lessons she shared with all those who had the privilege to know her.

Georgia is survived by her husband, David of Marion, brother David Louis (Mable) Bowden of Marion, along with her special girls, Jessica and Lacey, and many dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and close friend, Roger Robinson.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, February 10, from 4:00 - 8:00 at the Marion Elks Club located at 204 South Market Street. All are welcome to come celebrate a life well lived.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial donations be directed to the Georgia Lockwood Scholarship Fund.

Memorial contribution envelopes will be available at the Celebration of Life or may be mailed ℅ Binkley-Ross Funeral Home 1702 W. Boulevard Street, Marion, IL 62959.