Louise Joseph Bowen

Louise Bowen departed her earthly life in the early morning of Sunday, January 8, 2017 at the Waverly Healthcare Center, Waverly, VA. She was born in New York City, to the late Hilton and Annie Joseph. She was educated in the New York City Public Schools. Louise was an accomplish "storyteller"! Her animated conversations and her amazing recall of her many life experiences were classic. She was in many ways similar to the West African Griot whose function was to pass along family history and values through storytelling. Her stories withstood the test of time, whether about her many years in New York City or life in Smithfield. Louise loved Harlem, New York and enthusiastically embraced the experience.While living in Harlem, she attended St. Mary's Episcopal Church . As a young adult was joined in holy matrimony to Lloyd Field. From this Union they were blessed with two daughters, Monica and Stephanie. She was a member of Club Noel in Harlem which was often featured in the Amsterdam News. After the death of her husband she relocated to her mother's home in Rushmere where she met and married Pilson Bowen and raised their three sons; Eric, Algie and Beaumont. She thoroughly enjoyed her golden years. Louise loved spending time with her family, friends and neighbors. One of her favorite bible passages was Psalm118:24: "This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it." What a testament to a life well lived! Louise was preceded in death by her daughters Monica Bailey, Smithfield, VA; Stephanie (Quincy) Elder, Surry, VA; sons, Eric Bowen, Washington, DC,and Algie Bowen, Baltimore, MD. She leaves to cherish her memories, one son, Frank Beaumont Bowen, Washington, DC; devoted Son-In-Law Warner "Deedle" Bailey; caring surrogate daughter Gwendolyn (Chubby) Bailey; and four Grandsons, Michael, Quinton (Brenda), Edwin, Little Algie (Jennifer); one granddaughter Deirdre (Reginald); and eight great grand children; and a devoted Niece, Marie Pierce Also Two sister in-laws LaClara Bowen, Delores Thomas and one brother in law; Lindberg Bowen and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends. A Celebration of Life service will be held 1PM on Saturday, January 14, 2017 at First Gravel Hill Baptist Church, Smithfield, Va. Interment will be in the MT. Nebo Baptist Church cemetery, Surry, Va. Professional services entrusted to Shivers Funeral Chapel.

Burial Date January 14, 2017

A Celebration of Life service will be held 1PM on Saturday, January 14, 2017 at First Gravel Hill Baptist Church, Smithfield, Va. Interment will be in the MT. Nebo Baptist Church cemetery, Surry, Va. Professional services entrusted to Shivers Funeral Chapel.