Erma Bowers Cooler

Erma Bowers Cooler of Ridgeland, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on May 21, 2025 the age of 89.

Erma was born on April 15, 1936 in Walterboro, South Carolina  to Clarence “Pete” Bowers and Susie Varn Bowers. She pursued a career at the Department of Motor Vehicles and license tested hundreds of drivers in the Ridgeland area. Erma was known for her quiet ways and her love for God and her family.

Erma is survived by her devoted husband of 66 years, Thomas W. Cooler, her three sons, Thomas Wayne (Wanda), Craig Waring (Meredith), and Michael Dana (Samantha) and her nephew, Melvin Dale (Debora).

Erma deeply loved her five grandchildren, Gabrielle (Daniel), Michael, Mackenzie, Chelsea, and Madison (Tyler), and her great granddaughter, Brynn. She is survived by her sister Kathleen Barwick of Walterboro and many cousins, nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her parents, her brothers, Clarence and Lawrence Bowers, and her sister, Nina Bowers.

A memorial service will be held on May 31, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Sauls Funeral Home Chapel, Ridgeland, South Carolina. Family and friends are welcome to attend to honor and celebrate Erma’s life.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Amedisys Hospice Foundation in Erma’s memory.

Amedisys Foundation (Hospice)
3854 American Way Suite A, Baton Rouge LA 70816