Earnestine "Teenie" Bowden

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Earnestine “Teenie” Bobbie Bowden, beloved mother and grandmother. She departed this life peacefully at her home in Atlantic, VA, surrounded by her loving family on November 22, 2024, at the age of 89. She leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and unwavering devotion to her family and community.

She is preceded in death by her loving husband of 69 years, Clarence “Bud” Bowden, and her parents, Delmas and Georgie Taylor; brothers Burleigh and Delmas Taylor; grandson Clarence Robert Bowden; and great-granddaughter Angela Mae Berry.

Teenie is survived by her five children: Clarence Bennie Bowden and Sally Bowden of Wallops Island, VA; Faith Ann Berry and John Berry of Atlantic, VA; Barbara Jean Godwin and Harry Godwin of Temperanceville, VA; Robert Wayne Bowden and Linda Bowden of Atlantic, VA; and Mark Allen Bowden and Kim Bowden of Atlantic, VA; grandchildren Beth Ross and John of Gates, NC; Cristina Mackey and Brian of Baltimore, MD; John Berry of Helena, MT; Amy Conder and Travis of Midlothian, VA, David Homa II and Samantha of Atlantic, VA; James Berry of Hampton, VA; Jeffery Oshaben and Katye of Wyoming; Ashley Kambarn and Joe of Chincoteague, VA; Leanna Rasmussen and Tommy of Craddockville, VA; Alyson Bowden of Atlantic, VA; and 13 great-grandchildren.  She is also survived by her sisters, Ruth Anne Bell of Medora, IL, and Elizabeth “Liz” Donaway of Mears, VA.

Born on September 21, 1935, Teenie was a woman of deep faith, a sense of humor, and a heart that knew no limits. She was a devout member of the Union Baptist Church, where she worshipped and served with the Rainbow Sisters Bible Class. She was a long-time member of the Ladies Auxiliary for the CVFC and for years enjoyed volunteering at the annual carnival and Pony Penning. She was a member of the Eastern Star for several decades, serving as worthy matron and other offices in both the Chincoteague and Temperanceville chapters.

Teenie was dedicated to her family. She had a generous heart and shared her love with others through food. She enjoyed accompanying her husband during his work as a waterman, and together, they grew and sold strawberries for years. Heaven’s gain is truly our family’s loss. Her legacy of love and service will live on through all of us. She will be forever missed and cherished.

There will be a viewing from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday, November 25, 2024, at Salyer Funeral Home on Chincoteague Island. Funeral services will be held at  2 p.m. on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at Union Baptist Church, with Rev. Eley officiating; interment will follow at John Taylor Cemetery in Temperanceville, VA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Union Baptist Church Benevolence Fund, 6365 Church Street, Chincoteague Island, VA 23336, or CVFC, PO Box 691, Chincoteague Island, VA 23336. 

Services were entrusted to Salyer Funeral Home, Inc. on Chincoteague Island, VA.  Condolences may be made online at www.salyerfh.com.

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