Dolores Jones Bowen, 92, October 13, 1928 – May 29, 2021, passed away in Queen Creek, Arizona. Dolores was the youngest of seven children born to Dudley and Lalar Mae Jones (Sudberry) in Bedford County, Tennessee.
Dolores graduated early from high school and went on to receive her degree in Early Childhood Education from Middle Tennessee State University. While teaching in Kingsport, Tennessee, she met her future husband. On October 26, 1950, Dolores married Charles Durant Bowen from Lavonia Georgia. During Charles’ tour of duty in Japan, Dolores taught students on Yokota Airforce Base. There, she gave birth to their first daughter, Tarisa. After his tour, the family moved to Atlanta, Georgia and had their second daughter, Susann.
Dolores was a career educator, spending over 25 years with DeKalb County Schools, including Doraville Elementary, Northwoods Elementary, Shallowford Elementary and serving several years as an Assistant Principal at Rainbow Elementary. She also received a Master’s Degree and a Specialist Degree from the University of Georgia.
After retiring, Dolores concentrated on caring for her husband and being “Grandmommy” to her only granddaughter and 10 years later, being “Mimi” to her two grandsons. Dolores enjoyed traveling extensively. She was also an active member of Alpharetta First United Methodist Church, and sang in the choir for many years. She moved to Sacramento, California in 2013 and later to Queen Creek, Arizona in 2020.
Dolores is preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, Charles Bowen. She is survived by her children Tarisa Bowen Tate (husband George Tate) of Buford, Georgia and Susann Conley (husband Jason Conley) of Queen Creek, Arizona; grandchildren Emily Tate Gordon (husband Rory Gordon) of Buford, Georgia, Chase Bonslett (wife Whitney Bonslett) of Santa Clara, California and Carter Bonslett of Queen Creek, Arizona. Dolores recently had her first Great-Grandson, Remy Gordon of Buford, Georgia.
The family would like to give a special thanks to the nursing staff at Everland Living in Queen Creek, Arizona for their loving care during her last days.
There will be a private family graveside service at Arlington Memorial Park to lay her to rest beside her husband. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Alzheimer’s Association in Dolores Bowen’s name.