Juanita Bowens

Juanita Bowens, age 93, went to be with Jesus on August 12, 2024, surrounded by her loving family.

 She was born to the late Mary Lee and George Daniel McLean on September 19, 1930, in Milan, Georgia, and was the oldest of six children. She was raised on a farm in Hawkinsville, Georgia, helping care for her five siblings. She went on to graduate in the Class of 1947 from Jordan High School in Columbus, GA. Juanita was married to John C. Bowens, Jr. on March 14, 1953, and was a devoted wife for 43 years until his passing in 1996. She retired from Bibb Manufacturing Company after 41 years of service. There she made many lifelong friends. She was a faithful and devoted servant to the Lord all of her life. She loved her church family at Weems Road Freewill Baptist Church. She served as the Church Secretary/Treasurer for almost 25 years. If you knew Juanita, you knew she loved to cook. For many years, she cooked on Tuesday and Thursday of each week for her children and grandchildren and would never allow anyone to help with the dishes. She was known for her fried chicken, dumplings and cakes. No one ever left her table hungry. She enjoyed going out to eat with her friends frequently and could always be found on the phone checking on those she loved. She spoiled her grandchildren and always cooked each one’s favorite food. Juanita also loved her dog, Molly, who was a loyal and protective companion. She loved her family and friends and will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved her.

 Juanita is survived by her children, Dianne Hatcher (Chuck) of Midland, GA, Johnny Bowens (Rebekah) of Midland, GA, and Gregory Bowens (Audrey) of Columbus, GA; brother, Fred McLean (Joyce) of Lake City, GA; grandchildren, Jason Hatcher (Tammy), Lisa Gentry (Jimmy), John Bowens, and Andrew Bowens (Jessica); as well as many beloved great-grandchildren, Emma, Jacob and JW Hatcher, John David Gibbons, Hannah, Luke and Matthew Hall, Charlee and Maddy Gentry, Elijah, Virginia and Jeremiah Bowens; great-great grandchild, Juniper Hatcher, and numerous family and friends.

 Juanita is preceded in death by her husband, John C. Bowens Jr.; parents, Mary Lee (McDuffie) McLean and George Daniel McLean; siblings, Elizabeth Greer, Charles McLean, Leonard McLean, and James McLean; and her beloved grandson, Trent Michael Bowens.

 A visitation will be held at Vance Brooks Funeral Home, 4048 Macon Road, Columbus, GA on Thursday, August 15, 2024, at 10:00 am, followed by a chapel service at 11:00 am. Burial will follow the service at Parkhill Cemetery, 4161 Macon Road, Columbus, GA.