LeClara W. Bowen

On Tuesday, June 30, 2020, our All-Wise God called the Bowen family matriarch, Miss LeClara W. Bowen home from earthly labor to eternal reward. LeClara passed away peacefully in the same house in which she was born 93 years earlier.

LeClara was the fourth oldest of nine children born to the late Mr. Algie Bowen, Sr. and Mrs. Priscilla King Bowen of Rushmere, VA. She was a graduate of the Isle of Wight County Training School where she also enjoyed playing varsity basketball.

Clara, as she was lovingly called by most, has lived the life of a servant leader setting an excellent example of self-sacrifice and service to others.

She has served with joy as a loving and compassionate caregiver, adviser, confidante, role model, counselor, and friend to members of every generation of her family during her lifetime.

Clara was a woman of unswerving faith not only in word but also in deeds. She was a faithful member of Fair Oaks Sunday School and First Gravel Hill Baptist Church where she served as the first chairperson of the Senior's Ministry.

In addition to serving as a volunteer at the Isle of Wight County Courthouse, Clara was also a lifetime member of the Rushmere Volunteer Fire Department Women's Auxiliary and participated in the fund-raising events until she was no longer able to do so.

In addition to her parents, LeClara is predeceased by her siblings: Virgie Smith, Algie Bowen, Jr., Helen B. Slade, Matthew Bowen, Sr., Pilson Bowen and Alton Fenwick Bowen.

LeClara leaves to lovingly cherish her memory, one daughter and son-in-law, Marie B. Pierce (George) of Surry, VA and one son, Matthew Bowen, Jr. of Philadelphia, PA; two grandsons, Aaron Pierce (Lawrencia) of Flourtown, PA and Travis Pierce (Keshana) of Richmond, VA; three great-grandchildren, Kiersten Gillette-Pierce of Philadelphia, PA, Christian Pierce and Christopher Pierce of Flourtown, PA; one sister, Verlene Deloris Thomas of Surry, VA; and two brothers, Henry L. Bowen of Newport News, VA and Elester M. Bowen (Deborah) of Philadelphia, PA. She is also survived by a wealth of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She will forever remain in our hearts as a woman of great strength, character, and love!

Burial Date July 6, 2020

A Graveside Service will be held 11 am Monday July 6, 2020 at First Gravel Hill Baptist Cemetery 5230 Old Stage Highway, Smithfield, VA. There will be no public viewing. Miss Bowen is in the loving care of Shivers Funeral Chapel. Please keep the Bowen Family in your prayers.