Mercer County native Mary Helen Brown Bowmar, 84, Auburn, Ind., died Jan. 27, 2012, at her home.

She was born July 20, 1927, in Mendon, to Fred G. and Lucille K. Krugh Fisher. On June 19, 1949, she married James E. Brown, who died June 25, 1992. On May 4, 1996, she married Lawrence "Cotton" Bowmar, who survives in Auburn.

Also surviving are three children, J. Michael (Ellen) Brown, Chelsea, Mich., Susan C. (Jeffrey) Turner, Auburn, Peggy A. (Michael) Wilmette, Ill.; three stepchildren, Scott (Wendy) Bowmar, Wixom, Mich., Michael Bowmar, Garrett, Ind., and Timothy (Jeri) Bowmar, Broken Arrow, Okla.; 11 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

She graduated from DePauw University, Greencastle, Ind., and received a master of arts degree in education from Ball State University in 1963. She taught school at Cedar Creek Women's Club, at East Auburn Elementary School, and retired from Sylvania schools in 1978.

She was a member of Auburn First United Methodist Church, where she taught children's Sunday school, was a member of Grace Circle, United Methodist Women and the Keystone Sunday School class.

She served as president of Auburn Women's Club and was a member of DeKalb County Retired Teachers' Association.

Service is 11 a.m. Tuesday at the church, the Rev. Ted Jansen officiating.

Calling is 2-8 p.m. today at Feller and Clark Funeral Home, Auburn, and one hour before service at the church. Private family service will be held later at Woodlawn Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the church.

Condolences may be left at fellerandclark.com.