Velva Lorene Bowen

Velva Bowen will be remembered as a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, mother-in-law, special aunt, friend to many, a strong woman, and a gentle soul. Born December 6, 1917, to Samuel and Julia Middleton near Salem, Oklahoma, Velva passed away June 10, 2014 in Jenks, Oklahoma at the age of 96. Her parents and siblings, Bertha, Letha, Wayne, Robert and Everett preceded Velva in death. Her in-laws, nieces and nephews were also a special part of her life and she loved each one dearly. Velva was the families' final link to the Greatest Generation of people who endured the historical challenges of the Dust Bowl, Great Depression, and WWII, but saw progress through inventions such as telephones, electricity, automobiles, TV, computers, and medicine. The lessons learned of hard work, dedication, compassion and strength of family characterize her legacy. In 1936, Velva married Floyd Bowen in Okmulgee County, Oklahoma. They made their home in the Henryetta area where they raised their children, Jerry, Linda, and Cecil. In 1958, the family moved to Weleetka. Their home was full of laughter and love and was always open to the family and friends. Special memories were made over Velva's delicious home-cooked meals and outstanding desserts. After Floyd's death in 1974, Velva continued to live in Weleetka until her health declined in 2012. Velva's employment included Eagle Pitcher Smelter, J.P. Morgan ceramic shop (4 years), Weleetka School Cafeteria (28-1/2 years), and The Weleetkan newspaper (6 years). She retired at age 87. Working relationships with Dexter Gibson, Velma Anthony, Ethel Winn, Cathy Gordon, and Mabel Loggins developed into friendships that Velva treasured. She was a friend to the students of Weleetka Schools and was honored when over a hundred student-made birthday cards lined a wall of the cafeteria, and again when the yearbook was dedicated to her upon her retirement. Velva cherished her family. Family get-togethers, helping others, traveling, cooking, shopping, reading, and eating a hamburger at Tim's Grocery were her favorite activities. She was a member of the Weleetka Methodist Church and Weleetka Free Will Baptist Church. Service in the community included membership in the Henryetta Rebecca Lodge, Cub Scout leader, Sunday School teacher, and as a volunteer board member of Twin Rivers Community Action Industries, which focused upon helping children. Honors include selection as a Weleetka Prides Day Parade Marshall twice and recognition as a Blue Cross Ageless Hero. Over 150 family and friends attended her 89-1/2 birthday celebration. In addition to Velva's parents, siblings, and in-laws, her husband, Floyd, and son, Jerry preceded Velva in death. She is survived by her son, Cecil; daughter and son-in-law, Linda and James Broughton; daughter-in-law, Joan Bowen; granddaughter Misty Broughton, grandson Jerry Mac Bowen and his wife Leesa; granddaughter Faith and her husband Kelly Brady; great-granddaughters, Savannah and Sarah Brady; great grandchildren Justin Burton, Angie and Justin Ivey and their children Brooke, Blake and Braxton; 12 nieces, 8 nephews, and extended family and friends. Services to celebrate Velva's life will be held at Integrity Funeral Service, Thursday, June 12, 2014 at 2:00pm with burial in Weleetka Cemetery. Minister John Stagg will officiate. Pallbearers will be Jerry Mac Bowen, Kelly Brady, Ken Hargett, Paul Ridenhour, Tim Williams and Billy Dan Parrish. The family wishes to recognize caregivers Mabel Loggins, Kathy Starkey, Cathy Gordon, Henryetta Nurses To Go, Grace Living Center in Jenks, Good Shepherd Hospice, Mit Williams, Shari Cross and Margaret Hargett for their loving care. Also, thanks to the many friends and family for cards, calls, and support throughout Velva's journey.