Bessie Mae Mcghee Bowes

Bessie Mae McGhee Bowes (Mama Bowes), age 91, of Lenoir and formerly of Henderson, NC, passed away Saturday, February 23, 2019 at Caldwell UNC Healthcare.She was born August 4, 1927 to the late Shem J. McGhee and Mamie Weaver McGhee.In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Melvin James Bowes, sister, Alice McGhee Roberts, brother, Forrest McGhee, infant son, Harold Gadree Bowes, grandsons, Jason Grant Sumner and Michael Todd Bowes, granddaughter, Kristen Renee Bowes, and daughter-in-law, Deborah Walker Bowes (DJ). Survivors include four sons, Melvin Thomas Bowes and wife Vickie, William Avon Bowes and wife Lib, James Lawrence Bowes and wife Debbie, and Reverend Ernest Edward Bowes and wife Debbie; two daughters, Mary Jean Bowes-Epley and husband David and Mamie Gray Bowes; grandchildren, Melvin Thomas Bowes, Jr., Gregory Randolph Bowes, Amie Sumner Garnica, W.A. Bowes, Jr., Alicia Bowes Paynter, Shannon Bowes Lewis, James Aaron Bowes, David Lawrence Bowes, Jason Robertson, and Gene Robertson; 29 great-grandchildren; and 4 great great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, several special friends that she held close to her heart, Maude McCann, Gracie Aplin, and Cheslea Miller. Mama Bowes was a charter member of Kittrell Church of God and a member of South Lenoir Church of God.She obtained the name Mama Bowes because she was a loving “Mama” to all she met.Her passion was her love of God, her family, and her church family.She also loved flowers, birds, and her special pet cat, “Lil’ girl”. Funeral Services will be held Monday, February 25, 2019 at 7:00 PM at South Lenoir Church of God, 1786 Hickory Blvd. SW, Lenoir, conducted by her son, Pastor Ernest Bowes and Rev. Howard Smith.The family will receive friends Monday evening 5:30-7:00 pm prior to the service at the church. Another service will follow on Wednesday February 27, 2019 in her hometown of Henderson, NC at South Henderson Church of God at 2:00 PM conducted by her son, Pastor Ernest Bowes.The family will receive friends from 1:00-2:00 pm at the church prior to the service. Interment will follow the service at Sunset Gardens in Henderson, NC. A very special thank you to Lenoir Healthcare Staff, UNC Caldwell Healthcare and staff and Evans Funeral Service and Crematory who showed so much love and compassion to our mom and our family. Memorial contributions may be made to, South Lenoir Church of God Building Fund, 1786 Hickory Blvd. SW, Lenoir, NC. Online condolences may be sent to www.evansfuneralservice.com Evans Funeral Service & Crematory is serving the family.