Marion Franklin Stowe was born in Howell Michigan in 1894 and attended the University of Michigan graduating with her Bachelor of Arts in 1916 and Master of Arts in 1923. She attended and taught at Iowa State College from 1920-1922. She joined the faculty at Michigan State Normal College in 1923 and continued on as faculty until 1960 in the department of Speech and Drama. While on faculty she studied at the School of Speech and drama in London, England, the American Academy of Dramatic arts in New York City, and attended the Northwestern University NBC Institute.

Outside of the courses she taught in play production, interpretive reading, public speaking and drama she was an active member in the Ypsilanti Players, Women's City Club in Ann Arbor, and the Alter Guild at St. Luke's Episcopal Church. She was the first distinguished alumni award offered by Pi Kappa Delta in 1957. She died 1972 October 28 in Ypsilanti, Michigan.