Jean Bowles

Born in Nashville, TN then moved to Hendersonville in 1959. Gallatin became her final hometown in the mid-1980’s.

Her life’s work and ministry was focused on the Lord, her husband, her children and grandchildren, her friends, and anyone else God put on her path. She loved and was loved by many others.

She grew up faithfully attending a little Presbyterian church with her grandmother in East Nashville, giving her life to the Lord at age 12.

A few weeks after her 18th birthday, she married Edward “Ray” Bowles, Sr. and became a member of his church, Grace Baptist. After moving to Hendersonville, they became lifelong and active members of Hendersonville First Baptist Church. She taught a girls’ Sunday School class for many years and later joined the church choir. Another treasured church ministry of which she was a part was in constructing banners.

Some of her favorite hobbies were sewing, reading, and crafts. She made many of her children’s clothing while they were young. She also enjoyed baking, flower gardening, and caring for the wild birds that flocked to her yard. Her small Yorkie, Hannah, was her constant companion for the last 12 years, even joining her at Morningside Assisted Living this past June.

Family members that preceded her in death: Father, Tebie Hatten Swain; Mother, Antonia Augusta Besta Swain Pendergrass; Son, Michael David Bowles; Sister, Gail Pendergrass Mangrum.

She is survived by Children: Edward Ray Bowles, Jr. (Margaret), Deborah Jean Bowles Carney (Jeff, Sr.), and Mark Timothy Bowles, Sr. (Vicki).
Grandchildren: Jeffery Lynn Carney, II (Jenna), William Foster Carney (Jackie), Juliana Carney Duncan (Jeremy), Emily Jean Bowles Morgan (Zac), Sarah Lou Bowles Goodreau (Marcus), Katie Ann Bowles Wentworth (James), Mark Timothy Bowles, II (Allison), Benjamin Hunter Bowles (Kennedy), Jacob Heath Bowles, Hallie Lynn Bowles.

Great-grandchildren: Maddie and Bo Carney; Ellie, Sam, and Sylvie Duncan; Jack, Maggie, Max, and Joe Morgan; Mary Bowles.

Special thanks is extended from the family for those who assisted Jean's family in providing tender care and love in her final days: Morningside Assisted Living, Avalon Hospice, and her closest friends.

Pallbearers: Jeffery Carney, II, Foster Carney, Jeremy Duncan, Timothy Bowles, II, Hunter Bowles, Jacob Heath Bowles, Zac Morgan, Marcus Goodreau, Doug Mangrum, Jr.

Visitation and Services will be at

Hendersonville Funeral Home, 353 E. Main St., Hendersonville, TN 37075 (615- 824-3855)

Final Arrangements are as follows: Visitation: Friday, October 15, 1-3 PM

Memorial Service: Oct. 15, 3 PM