Joyce Ann Fowler Bowen

Joyce Ann Fowler Bowen was born June 5th, 1942, resided most of her almost 83 years in Calhoun, GA, and lived a life defined by devotion, dignity, and fierce love until her passing on May 22, 2025. Growing up surrounded by extended family in Resaca, she learned playfulness, generosity, and serving others from her mother and inherited her father's practicality and strong work ethic. A faithful Christian, she was a life long, active member of the Calhoun and Resaca churches of Christ where she served in many ways through the years.

A quintessential homemaker and talented decorator, Joyce enjoyed making her home a warm, welcoming, and beautiful place. She thrived on hospitality, ensuring that everyone who walked through her door felt special and well-fed, usually with something homemade, delicious and beautifully presented.

Her life's greatest work was her family. Married to the love of her life, Jerry for 62 years, they enjoyed traveling the American west and doing projects together. She was a devoted mother to her children, Alicia and Andy. Her determination was unmatched, particularly in advocating for the educational rights and care of her son, Andy.

She adored her three grandchildren deeply, never missing an opportunity for engaging in fun projects, teaching life lessons, and offering her own unique blend of grandmotherly wisdom, always with high expectations and endless affection.

A committed caregiver to multiple family members throughout her life, Joyce cared for her parents, in-laws, and other family members, embodying strength and generosity in every act.

She enjoyed laughter and loved cutting up with friends and family. Whether hosting the perfect party, shopping with friends, working in her yard, or making a space beautiful and functional, Joyce moved mountains and had fun doing it.

She is survived by her husband, Jerry; children, Alicia Bowen Henderson (Joel) of Chattanooga, Tennessee and Andy Bowen, who now resides in Chattanooga (but whose heart will always be in Calhoun, Georgia); grandchildren, Nate Henderson (Hannah) of Corrales, New Mexico, Eden Henderson of Nashville, Tennessee and Ivy Henderson of Chattanooga, Tennessee; siblings, Linda Fowler Victor and Hilda Fowler Holcomb; and numerous extended family and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents Carl Winfred Fowler and Ozella Jones (R.A.), her beloved baby brother, Carl Fowler, Junior and other aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

In her final chapter, Joyce held no fear of death. She focused on finding contentment. Her legacy is one of love, service, laughter, hospitality, and strength.

A gathering to honor her life and memory will be held on Saturday, May 31, at the Calhoun Church of Christ. The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m., with a memorial service to follow from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. In accordance with her wishes, her body was donated to Emory University.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Nashville Children's Alliance http://www.nashvillechildrensalliance.org where her granddaughter works as a pediatric trauma therapist or the charity of your choice.