Majel D. Bowerman

Majel Davis Bowerman

Dr. Majel Bowerman passed away February 12, 2026, in Sebring, Florida.

Majel was born on March 22, 1948, to Barney and Celia Davis in Lansing, Michigan. She and her two brothers, Blair and Kim, were raised in Cheboygan, Michigan.

Majel attended Central Michigan University. She earned a BS in Speech Therapy and Elementary Education. She earned a doctorate degree in Educational Leadership at the University of South Florida. While at Central Michigan, Majel met her husband of 44 years, Dwight. During their college years, Majel and Dwight worked at Central Michigan as residence counselors and as therapists for special needs children (ages 5-18).

Majel came to Highlands County with friends to escape the cold weather and soon had a focus for her life: teaching children and leading adults. From providing speech therapy to underprivileged preschoolers and teaching elementary students, she became an Assistant Principal at Lake Placid Elementary and then the first Principal at Lake Country Elementary, where she built and encouraged a community of positive teachers and staff. She was a fierce protector of children. Every decision was made based on what was best for the students. She cared deeply for vulnerable children and adults, and she touched thousands of lives over 40 years. She mentored countless educators, being insistent on their success. She was admired and appreciated by parents in her school community.

Majel is survived by one brother, Blair (Stephanie) Davis of Manistee MI, Nancy (Tom) Cosenza, Jim (Judy) Bowerman, Doug (Cynthia) Bowerman, John (Connie) Bowerman, Paul (Lisa) Bowerman, 23 nieces and nephews, 26 great nieces and nephews, and 15 great-great nieces and nephews.

She is also survived by her chosen family: Annamarie Grimes of Lake Placid FL; and Marc, Crystal, Chloe and Chelsea Baugh of Alabama, and Kathryn Obidzinski of Sebring, FL. All of her family members and friends loved her very much.

Dr. Majel Bowerman will be remembered and celebrated at First Presbyterian Church, Lake Placid, at 2:00 pm on Saturday, March 14, with Reverend Ray Cameron and Reverend Reid Thayer leading the service. Visitation will take place before the service from 1:00 to 2:00.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Ridge Area ARC, which serves and advocates for individuals with developmental and other disabilities. Make checks to: Ridge Area ARC. Mail to 4352 Independence St., Avon Park 33825. Or, Humane Society of Highlands County, 7421 Haywood Taylor Blvd., Sebring FL 33876.

Arrangements entrusted to: Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home Sebring, Florida www.stephensonnelsonfh.com