Maggie Mae Sowls' Obituary
Maggie was born on June 30, 1930, to Willie Mae Scott and Pratt Sowls in Minden, Louisiana. She was the youngest of nine children.
Maggie attended school at Antioch Baptist Church in Minden, Louisiana (hereafter referred to as Antioch)
At an early age, Maggie gave her life to Christ. Maggie was known as a songbird and sang with the church choirs, the Community Choir, and a gospel quartet. One of her favorite songs was “I am a living testimony.” She believed her life was a testimony to the goodness of God. Some of her favorite gospel singers were Mahalia Jackson and Rosetta Tharpe. She loved Tharpe’s, “Strange things happening every day.”
Not only was Maggie a songbird, but she was also an active participant in the expansion of the church. Antioch started as a one room church, but she had a vision to add a bathroom and kitchen to the church. Maggie held fish fries, raffles, and sold dinners to raise the money for the expansion. Not only did she raise money for the expansion, but she also physically labored to build the bathroom and kitchen. She assisted in laying the floors and hung sheetrock.
Maggie lived in several states. Whenever she moved, she united with a local assembly. In Florida, she united with Bethel Missionary Baptist Church. In Maryland, she united with Antioch Baptist Church of Clinton where she remained an active member until her transition.
Maggie was a cook by trade. She worked at Ed’s Café, where she served as a dishwasher and short order cook. Maggie’s culinary skills did not end at work, she blessed many people with her peach cobblers, homemade biscuits, chitterlings, and cornbread dressing.
She enjoyed being a blessing to other people. Although she had little, she always shared what she had with her neighbors. Maggie believed in a strong community. She frequented community events such as parades, Juneteenth celebrations, and National Night Out.
Some of her fondest memories were from her annual family reunions at the Louisiana State Park. She loved her family and loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, siblings, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Maggie was passionate about children. Two of her favorite charities were St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and Shriners Hospital for Children. At church, she was an active supporter of the youth ministry and frequently showered the children with gifts.
She was an active participant in her children’s and grandchildren’s extra-curricular activities. She traveled around the state of Louisiana and up and down the eastern seaboard to support them. She also served as a band parent. Maggie worked the concession stand at games and fundraised to provide financial support to the band.
Some of her favorite pastimes were traveling, fishing and playing cards. She bonded with her children and grandchildren by teaching them to play spades and dominoes. Maggie cultivated many relationships over spades games. Maggie loved a card party, and particularly loved her forever spades’ partner, Lee Foster.
On Wednesday, June 7, 2023, Maggie departed this earthly life. Maggie’s love expanded her family beyond her bloodline. She became a Mother, Grandmother, and Sister to many.
She was preceded in death by her mother, father, 7 siblings, son (Cleandrew Sowls) and grandson (Anthony Moore). She is survived by her children: Charles Sowls (Alice), Cleotis Sowls (Brenda), Daisy Sowls; daughter-in-law: Charlayne Sowls; bonus son: Oscar Hightower; bonus daughter: Ethel Holton (Danny); grandchildren: Katina Sowls, Ashley Sowls, Adam Martin (Callie), Tynisha Tolbert, Ayani James, Arricka Hickman, and Abrina James; great-grandchildren: Arianna Sowls, JaMontc’ Sowls, Wyatt Martin, Jude Martin; one great-great-grandchild: Wynter Washington; one sister: Mattie Peevy; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Viewing,10:00 a.m., Saturday, June 17, 2023, until time of Service, 11:00 a.m., Antioch Baptist Church, 9107 Pine View Lane, Clinton, Maryland 20735. Interment, Tuesday, June 20, 2023, Trinity Memorial Gardens, 3221 Mattawoman Beantown Road, Waldorf, Maryland 20601.
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