Annie Ruth Sowers

Annie Ruth Sowers, 92, of Gainesville, FL passed away peacefully Sunday, December 3rd, 2023. Annie was born in Stephens County, GA to Thomas Clayton Maxwell and Lucy Jane Franklin Maxwell. She graduated from Stephens County High School, Eastanollee, GA and Grady Memorial Hospital School of Nursing, Atlanta, GA.  She married Robert C. Sowers, Jr. (Bob) in 1958 and together they raised two children.  Robert’s career in newspaper management took them from Pennsylvania to Ohio and West Virginia before settling in Florida in 1975. Annie’s 47 years in nursing included labor and delivery, med-surgical, and occupational health, prior to her 20 years in same-day surgery at Palm Beach Gardens Hospital. Annie was a long-time active member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority (recipient of the Order of the Rose).  Annie and Bob retired to Gainesville, FL in 1999, where Annie continued her passion for gardening, sewing, and Gator Football. She was devoted to her family and friends, always enjoying family and neighborhood get-togethers. Never idle, Annie spent her pandemic isolation making her famous clothed bunnies for the enjoyment of others.

Annie was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and ten brothers and sisters. She is survived by sisters; Carolyn (Howard) Jenkins Spofford; Charleston, SC and Mary Land; Waynesboro, GA, son; Troy (Judy) Sowers; Cape Coral, FL, daughter; Cynthia (Don) Cromer; Gainesville, FL, grandchildren; Danielle, Jeff, Michelle, Tiffany, and Charles, as well as great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.