Clarissa Colton Bowen, age 60, of Whiteville, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at Lower Cape Fear Angel House.  Clarissa was born on October 5, 1965 in Savannah, GA, to the late Lt. Col. Charles Arthur Colton and Diane Britton Colton.  In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her brothers: Charles Arthur Colton, Jr. and Charles Robert Colton.

Clarissa had many loves in life. She loved God, and she cherished her family and friends—especially her grandchildren. She also adored her pets. Clarissa found joy in traveling to the beach and the mountains, and she enjoyed evenings at the theater and attending music concerts. She loved finding a great deal on an outfit and dressing up to go out and enjoy the occasion.  She will be missed dearly by many. 

Left to cherish her memory are her husband; Christopher Lane Bowen of the home, step sons; Brandon Bowen (April Parks) and Chase Bowen (Katelyn), son; Jonathon Bowen (Christina Nelson), step daughters; Nicole Megarry of Port Charlotte, FL and Rachel Megarry of Framingham, MO, grandchildren; Elliot Bowen, Lily Bowen, Paislee Kelly, Ava Bowen, Braden Kelly and Levi Bowen, sister; Dawn Colton of Harrison, UT, and nieces; Hayley DeBacker and Abigail Taylor.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 pm on Saturday, March 21, 2026, in the McKenzie Mortuary Chapel.  The family will receive friends from 2:30 pm - 3:00 pm prior to the service.

McKenzie Mortuary, 112 Jefferson Street, Whiteville, NC, is serving the Bowen family.