Reba Blackwell Bowen

Lake Waccamaw: Reba Blackwell Bowen of Lake Waccamaw went to be with the Lord on Saturday, August 25, 2018. She was born on November 1, 1925 , the daughter of the late George Blackwell and Willetta Fairfax Blackwell and was preceded in death by her husband, Marion Tillman Bowen of 60 years and her sisters,  Ora Green  and Lorena Duncan, nephews, Eugene Green and Rudolph Green.

Reba graduated from Whiteville High School, Southeastern Community College, and the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. She worked many years as manager and merchandise buyer at the Style Shop, and as a needlecraft teacher at Southeastern Community College in Continuing Education.  She retired from the Whiteville City Schools as a classroom teacher at Whiteville Primary School. In 1980 Reba received the honor of Teacher of the Year at Whiteville Primary School, Teacher of the Year for Whiteville City Schools, Columbus County Teacher of the Year and the District 13 Teacher of the Year.  She was also the recipient of the Soil and Water Conservation Award from North Carolina.

She was an active member of the Mishop Springs United Methodist Church, Sunday School teacher, Youth Fellowship Leader and the Women of the Church.  After moving to Lake Waccamaw in 1989, she became a dedicated member of the Lake Waccamaw United Methodist  Church serving on the Administrative Council, officer of the United Methodist Women, conducted Bible studies and was an active member of the Prayer Shawl Ministry and co-leader of the Prayer Chain.  She was active in the Lake Waccamaw Women’s Club and was also a member of the Columbus County Extension Club.

She is survived by her son, Dr. Richard Bowen and wife Judy of Wilmington, Delaware., daughter, Rebecca Bowen of Halifax, Virginia; four grandsons, Christopher Bowen of Raleigh, N.C., Dr. Thomas Bowen and wife Heidi of Danville, PA., Ashley “Billy “ King of Charleston, S.C. and Richard King of Raleigh,N.C. ,   five great-grandchildren, Christine Bowen and Michael Bowen of Raleigh, N.C. , Anna and Sarah Bowen of Danville , PA and Julian King of New Bern, N.C. She is also survived by nieces and nephews; Carolyn and Wanda Thompson, Shelly Hill and husband, Gene, Pat Green, Jimmy Green, Homer Gray Duncan and wife, Cathy and Sandra Duncan.  She is also survived by four special friends, Sheryl Allen, Jimmy Grainger, Laura Mae Waddell and Bridgette Baldwin and her devoted CNA’s and other caregivers she has had over the last nine years.

The family will receive friends  from 10:00 to 10:45 am prior to the funeral service at 11:00 am at the Lake Waccamaw United Methodist Church on Saturday, September 1, 2018 with Rev. Chuck Smith officiating.  Interment will follow in the Whiteville Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Lake Waccamaw United Methodist Church Hand Bell Choir.

A McKenzie Mortuary Service

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