Vernon Lee Bowden

Vernon Lee Bowden was born in North Hampton County, North Carolina on May 8, 1936 to (Father) Vernon Pierce Bowden and (Mother) Queen Ester Goodwyn.

Papa is the last of six children, two older brothers, one older sister and one younger brother and sister, which all preceded him in death.

In 1950, Papa ventured out on his own leaving farming behind. He moved to Brooklyn, New York and while in New York, he got a job working in a bakery.  Later on, he took a job working in a dye factory.

Papa enjoyed listening to and singing Gospel Music in his earlier years.  So much so that he joined various gospel groups.

In his travel up and down the East Coast he met his wife Edith Jamison.  They married on September 7, 1958 and were married for some 57 years now. They settled in the Washington DC area and had five children, Johnnie, Norris, Bernell, Knecola and Leon. To support his growing family Papa took on constructions jobs where he became a Journeymen Pipe Insulator.  As a Master Pipe Insulator, he taught his skills to other family members, helping them to become gainfully employed.

Papa loved playing baseball; it was a favorite past time of his.  While living at 21st Street and Maryland Avenue, Papa was the manager and player, for the softball team known then, as the  “21st Street A’s”.  In his later years of life, Papa enjoyed playing Bingo, Pokeno, but his favorite was “Wii Bowling”, which he became the Wii bowling champion.

Papa leave behind a surviving spouse Edith Bowden, son Johnnie Bowden, (Daughter in Law) Brenda Bowden, daughter Bernell Bowden-Elliott, (Son in Law) Steve Elliott and daughter Knecola Bowden, Fifteen grandchildren, Tony, Lovell, Shanelle, Tasha, Chris, Teka, Samone, Sheena, Norris, Laderica, Keisha, Antonio Leon, Marcus, Wilson, Tiara, all of whom he loved very much, and for many, was “the babysitter”. As one of his grandchildren we can tell you some stories about the “Chase” with the belt.  Papa was a stickler for education. He provided us with much needed love and discipline.

Papa also leave behind his surviving Sister In Law, Hilda Bowden and a host of Great Grandchildren, Nieces, Nephews, Relatives and Friends.