Goldie Bowen

Goldie Bowen, age 81, passed away August 1, 2024, at Lakeland Regional Health and Medical Center. She was born on October 13, 1942, in Vidalia, GA. In her early years, she worked at the Bartow Public Library spanning a 20 year period. She ultimately retired as the Executive Director of the Bartow Housing Authority after 25 years of service. Following her retirement, she worked for Comfort Keepers taking care of several elderly people. She was a long time member of Lake Ruth Baptist Church and loved the Lord with all her heart. She was quick to share about Jesus with the people around her and pray with them. She enjoyed studying the bible, volunteering at the Bartow Church Service Center, sending cards and letters to friends and family, watching old western movies on tv, and reading. She loved her little dachshund and constant companion of 14 years Bree Bree. She was a great cook and made so many big southern meals for her family, friends, and church. She also loved having tea parties, displaying flower arrangements, and collecting antique glassware, as well as giraffe and chicken home decor. She was preceded in death by her father John Knies, mother Bertha Knies Carver, husband Larry Bowen Sr., and sisters Susan McCormick (Larry) and Johnnyette Boyd (Larry). She is survived by a loving family that includes her son Larry "Paul" Bowen (Stacy) of Lakeland, daughter Rebecca Bowen of Lenoir City, TN, brother Larry Knies (Lori) of Broxton, GA, granddaughters Kourtney Smith (Brian) of Mooresburg, TN, Miranda Frazier (Michael) of Lenoir City, TN and Emily Bowen of Lakeland, grandson Jacob Bowen of Lakeland and great granddaughters Adalyn Frazier and Amelia Frazier of Lenior City, TN. Memorial Service will be held Saturday, August 24,2024, at 11:00 AM at Lake Ruth Baptist Church in Bartow, Fl followed by lunch in the church fellowship hall. Flowers can be sent to the church the morning of the service.