From Proud Heritage, Volume II by DCPA. This hardcover book is available online.
Mary Cole was born 8 November 1870 in Dallas. Her parents were Joseph Larkin and Virginia (Overton) Cole of Jefferson City, Missouri. Mary Cole was married to John Henry Brower, born in Ossining, New York, on 12 January 1870. They lived in Dallas, Texas after their marriage.
Mr. Brower owned and operated Brower’s Hardware Store, located on Exposition Street,in Dallas. Mary was raised on a farm where the town of Highland Park is now located. She was educated in Dallas public schools, and at Kidd Key College in Sherman, Texas. She spent most of her life serving her fellow man in and around Dallas.
She was Past Matron and life member of Dallas Chapter IOES, being initiated on 31 July 1913. She served as Worthy Matron during the chapter years 1910-1920, and continued on many years as a faithful member.
She was an outstanding Christian and civic worker in her community, being an active member of the Scofield Memorial Church, Hawks Bible Class, Bonnie Blue Flag Chapter of the UDC, the Board of Directors of the West Dallas Social Center, the Sunshine Club, Pen Women, Lest We Forget Club and Elise Griffin Book Review Club. She was the first president of the John Henry Brown Elementary School, and Forest Avenue High School Parents and Teachers Association, president of the Dallas City Council of Parents and Teachers Association, the first president of the Democratic Women of Dallas, served on the City Welfare Board for nine years, and was one of the original members of the Board of Directors. She was also past president of Hope Cottage.
Children of John and Mary Brower were Lorene (Brower) Collier and Joe Cole Brower. John Brower died 31 August 1952 and Mary died 10 November 1966 at 1921 North Fitzhugh Avenue. Both are buried at Restland Cemetery.
By Mildred Brannon Collins
