Mercia Bowser was born on March 7, 1956, and passed away on February 24, 2021.

 

Mercia was named for her mother’s best friend, Mercia May, and so began Joan and Joseph Bowser’s tradition of picking names that begin with “M” for their five children: Mercia, twins Martin and Marvin, Mark and Muriel.

 

She was a giving, compassionate, and creative soul who loved people and her city deeply.

Mercia was educated in Catholic schools, Fisk University and the University of the District of Columbia. In her young life, Mercia was especially close to and cherished her late maternal grandmother, Regina Davis, who encouraged her to help others. She followed that path and became a licensed social worker.

 

Counseling, mental health advocacy, social work, and community outreach were the bedrock of Mercia’s career. She served, children, youth, and seniors.

 

Mercia worked for the Office on Aging and for Catholic Charities. She played a major role in adoption services, connecting children who needed permanent homes and families. As a resident director in a group home for male youths in the early 80’s, she drove “the boys” as she affectionately called them around town in a big green van, making them a part of the Bowser family for family events, cookouts and Bowser family home drop bys. She especially stayed close to Billy and Miguel over the years.

 

Mercia was involved in many professional associations, including the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI), the National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare, and work with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

 

After her transition, Mercia was memorialized on CNN, The New York Times, and other media outlets commemorating her mental health advocacy work and lamenting her falling victim to COVID-19. The Bowser family was quoted in a February 26, 2021 New York Times article on Mercia that “...described her as selfless and determined, qualities that persisted even as her health declined.”

 

Mercia’s love for family and faith in God grounded her throughout her life. Mercia was gifted with an angelic voice that entranced all who heard her sing. She was a proud founding member of and one of the lead singers in the Sara B. Moxley Ensemble at the Israel Metropolitan CME Church. She often acknowledged that the Sara Bs and their bible study were central to her spiritual growth under the pastorate of the Rev. Dr. Raymond F. Williams.

 

Mercia’s physical presence will be missed for her straightforward, no nonsense, and loving demeanor.

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In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Mercia's honor to Catholic Charities.