Bowman was born in Canton, MS, in 1937. Her grandfather was born a slave; her father was a physician and her mother a teacher. She was raised Methodist but 
converted to Catholicism as a child and later joined the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration at La Crosse, WI.

She earned a B.A. in English in 1965 from Viterbo University, in La Crosse, WI, and a Ph.D. in English in 1972 from the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. 

Bowman taught elementary school and high school. She later taught at her alma maters, Viterbo College in La Crosse, the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., and the Xavier University in New Orleans, LA.

She directed the Office of Intercultural Affairs for the Diocese of Jackson and was a founding faculty member of the Institute for Black Catholic Studies at Xavier University in New Orleans. The Second Vatican Council's liturgical renewal encouraged Sister Thea to share her African-American culture and religious heritage, she promoted cultural awareness and sensitivity.  "When we understand our history and culture, then we can develop the ritual, the music, and the devotional expression that satisfy us in the Church." Bowman was fundamental in the publication of the Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal in 1987.

In 1989, Boston College awarded her an honorary Doctorate in Religion in recognition of her contributions to the service of the Church. She died of cancer on March 30, 1990, at the age of 52.

Learn more at 
https://www.sistertheabowman.com/biography/
https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2014/06/24/witness-sister-thea-bowman
https://www.fspa.org/content/about/sister-thea-bowman