Patricia Anne Qualls Bowers

Born November 23, 1941 to Beauton Durbin Qualls and Melvin Qualls, Anne passed peacefully at her daughter’s home on November 11, 2025. Anne wed Sam Bowers and had two children, John Bowers and Cheryl Bowers. Anne is survived by her children, daughter-in-law Karen Wilmeth Bowers, son-in-law David Dietrich, sister Norma Creekmore, and grandchildren Jacob Bowers Dietrich, Seth Franklin Bowers, and Sophie Grace Bowers. Anne also leaves a host of extended family and friends. 

Anne’s high school senior yearbook described her as “Pixie, a pint-sized ball of fire.” This perfect description captured her strong determination, work ethic, enthusiasm, and creativity. As owner of “The Merry-Go-Round” Bag Company, she designed a line of ladies’ handbags that were shown and distributed in specialty stores in thirty-eight states. During this period of her early adult life, Anne also traveled, often with her family, showing her handbags at arts and crafts shows, where she won “best in show” multiple times. Of the memories from these years, the ones she talked of most were those made with her children during their travels to the shows. Anne went back to school to earn a bachelor’s degree from Lambuth College as well as Master’s and Educational Specialist degrees from Trevecca College. She then followed in her mother’s footsteps as a teacher. Anne taught English at Michie Junior High School and Adamsville High School for a combined 30 years. Known for her dynamic teaching and exacting standards, she impacted generations of children. Anne was honored as Teacher of the Year multiple times at Michie School. Anne also had enthusiasm and dedication for activities outside the classroom. She was particularly involved in committees and projects celebrating the community and its history as well as those that enhanced the writing skills of her students. Anne applied for and earned school grants, sponsored numbers of students in the county-wide writing competition (many of whom won awards), produced Veteran’s Day programs for the community, and many, many more. Anne was also dedicated to her church. Starting from birth as a member of New Hope United Methodist Church, Anne later moved her membership to First Baptist Church Michie when she married. Anne was a faithful servant in many capacities at her church. The role in which she is most remembered is that of the organist, a position she served in for decades. While she performed in this role skillfully, she also had fun with it, riffing with her pianist partner Patsy when services ended. Quick to tackle a problem, lead a project, hug a grandchild, and serve her community, Anne will be greatly missed. 

In lieu of flowers and mementos, the family requests that those wishing to remember Anne make a donation to the Michie School “Teacher of the Year Fund.” Donations to this fund should be directed to Michie School and will be used annually to recognize the teacher of the year, in memory of Anne.