Minister Mary Basnight Bowser, 73, died November 12, 2019 at Roanoke Landing Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Plymouth.

She was born in Gum Neck on January 28, 1946, the daughter of the late William Henry Basnight and Eva Mae Brown Basnight. Minister Bowser was baptized at a young age at Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church. She attended school at the Gum Neck Community School and Tyrrell High School and later traveled to NY. Upon returning she began her career with the Public-School System where she became a cafeteria assistant. She became a member at Piney Grove Disciples Church. After many years of teaching Sunday School and singing with the praise team, she became a minister.

She held the title of an assistant Minister for the church and spent years volunteering at the Columbia food pantry. She also ministered at the local prisons with the Yoke Fellow Ministry; and on the radio station LOVE 100. She later wrote a book titled “How I got Over.”

In her later years she resided at Roanoke Landing Rehabilitation Center in Plymouth where she taught Bible Study.

Funeral services were held at Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church on November 19 at 11 a.m. Minister Mary Basnight Bowser’s current pastor from Piney Grove Disciples of Christ Church. Rev. Lorenzo Moore officiated. Burial followed at the family plot for Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery.

Surviving are son Tracy Antonio Basnight and wife Miranda of Columbia; daughter Natasha S. Brown of Knightdale; grandchildren Justin Rydell Basnight, Matthew Xavier Basnight, Da’shawn Malik Brown and Eva Marie Homes-Brown; brothersGeorge Leon Basnight and wife Camilla of Columbia, Ervin Basnight and wife Yvonne of Staten Island, NY and Herman Basnight of Columbia; an aunt and uncle and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by son Bertram C. Basnight; brothers Arnold Basnight, Eric Wayne Basnight, J.W. Basnight and Marshall Basnight; sisters Vergie M. Carter, Louella Bethia, Della F. Basnight, Jean C. Wiltshire and Denora K. Brinkley.

Arrangements are by Bryan Funeral Service, Columbia.

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