Mrs. Mary Rowell Bristow, the youngest child born to the late Lizzie A. Boatwright Rowell and Gary Rowell, was born in Mullins, South Carolina. She was educated in the South Carolina School System.

She was joined in holy matrimony to Mr. Perlie Bernard Bristow. Their union endured through the years and was blessed with six children. Domestic at heart, she was unwavering in her dedication to foster a Christian home filled with love, joy, and strong values.

From a very young age, Mrs. Bristow was nurtured in the Word of God. As a youth, she professed her faith and belief in Jesus Christ and began her Christian journey. Upon relocating to Damascus, Georgia, she united with the Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church. She later moved to Blakely, Georgia and united with the Friendship Baptist Church of Bluffton, Georgia. Over the years, she served faithfully in numerous capacities until sickness of family members and her declining health prevented her attendance. She was a vessel who was deeply rooted and grounded in the Lord.

Committed and loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister aunt, friend and neighbor, Mrs. Bristow lived a rich and rewarding life. She had a kind heart, a very generous spirit, and her home was a safe-haven for many who walked through her doors. In her leisure, she enjoyed fishing and growing beautiful flowers.

She was predeceased by her parents; beloved husband; three children, Marilyn, Urie, and John; and her siblings, Uzie and Victor.

Loving memories will forever remain in the hearts of her children, Henry L. Bristow and Lizzie A. Bristow of Blakely, GA, and Mary K. (Thomas) Samuel of Albany, GA; grandchildren, Marilyn (Roy) Sommerset, Lisa (Barry) Hobbs, Kimberly (Tracy) Ceaser, Vorronica Bronner, Courtney Wimberly, Keith and Kevin Samuel, Travis, Shandrae and Darryl; a special daughter/friend, Lisa Townsend; great grandchildren; a special cousins.