Joan (Bobo) Bowen

BOWEN, JOAN (BOBO)

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved Joan (Bobo) Bowen, who departed this life on Thursday, December 25 Christmas morning after an extended battle with leukemia. Joan was known for her unique humor, kindness, generosity, and unwavering spirit. Born on July 13, 1941, in Bainbridge, Ohio, she grew up with a strong bond with her siblings, especially her sisters. Family and friends were always very important to Joan.

Joan touched the hearts of many through her dedication to family, friends, and the causes she held dear. She will be remembered for her positive outlook on life, her forgiving nature, and being the life of the party with her spicy jokes at decades of the Bobo family reunions. Joan’s legacy lives on in the countless lives she enriched and the memories we will forever treasure. She was a beloved mother, a favorite aunt, a best friend, a treasured sister, loyal daughter, and a loving dog mom.

Joan retired in 1998 after dedicating 35 years of service to the General Motors Company. She maintained a special bond with many co-workers she cherished until the end. She was an avid reader and enjoyed gardening.

Joan was one of 13 children to parents, Levi Roy Bobo, Sr., and Tressie Carolyn (Penwell) Gossard, who preceded her in death. Joan also suffered the loss of her infant son Randall Craig Bowen, brothers William "Bill", Thomas "Tom", Bobby "Bob", and James "Jim"; half-brother Robert Moore, half-sisters Florence Spangler and Virginia Bobo; sisters Barbara Bobo, Mary Dotson, Sheri Mansfield, and Betty Summers; sisters-in-law Donna, Rose, Nancy, Erma Jean, Beverly, and Dottie; brothers-in-law Charlie Dotson, Vic Wood, and Robert Summers.

Joan is survived by her devoted daughter and son-in-law Misty and her husband George Dowden; her faithful dog and companion Halley; sisters Brenda "Bea"(Gary) Slawson, Kaye (Roy) Duncan; brothers Levi, Jr. "June", Dick (Miriam), and Larry; brother-in-law Terry Mansfield, and a plethora of nieces and nephews, all who loved her dearly. In keeping with Joans wishes she will be cremated. Friends and family are invited to join in attending a memorial gathering on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, from 4-6 p.m. at the Lynch Family Funeral Home, located at 124 E High St, London, OH 43140.

Joan will be deeply missed but never forgotten. May she rest in eternal peace.