Gloria Patterson Bowman, age 68, died from ovarian cancer on January 2, 2017, in her home in Auburn, Alabama. 
    Gloria is survived by her mother, Kathleen Roberts Patterson, of Auburn, AL; her sister, Beverly Stokley (Jay Stokley) of Opelika, AL; her son, Shayne Bowman, (Michele Bowman) of Cumming, GA; and her grandson, Gavin Reid, and granddaughter, Josephine Bowman. She is preceded in death by her father, James Lewis Patterson, of Auburn, AL. 
    Gloria was born on November 13, 1948 in Philadelphia, PA. Her family later moved to Waverly, AL and Auburn, AL. She graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Fine Art. Gloria had a career in the newspaper/publishing industry as an artist, art director and advertising director. 
    She was a member of the Auburn Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, and was a passionate member of several local groups, including the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, Alliance for Peace and Justice, Rudolph Steiner Group, Friends of Bill W., and many others. She loved to travel and after retiring became a wellness practitioner, focusing on therapeutic massage and reiki. 
    A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, January 7, 2017, at 3:00 p.m. at Jeffcoat-Trant Chapel in Opelika, AL. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Gloria's life. The family respectfully declines a gift of flowers. Donations in Gloria’s name can be sent to the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org.