Carolyn Bowen

Carolyn Annie Louise Willis Bowen , aged 76 of Charlotte, North Carolina passed away suddenly on February 25, 2023. Carolyn was born December 19, 1946 to James T. and Sarah B. Willis. She was the sixth of seven children. She graduated from West Charlotte Senior High School in 1965 and later in life received an associate's degree from Central Piedmont Community College. Carolyn worked a variety of clerical and administrative jobs throughout her career at companies like GE Credit, Eastern Airlines and eventually finished up at the Mecklenburg County Health Department as a records room clerk.

Carolyn married Tracy L. Bowen on September 18, 1971 and they had two children: Tracy and Montresca. After the marriage ended Carolyn strove to make sure her children had what they needed to succeed; she worked unceasingly to this end. The same fighting spirit was evident when she survived a bout with breast cancer in 2005. Many invasive and intensive treatments were required but she prevailed and remained cancer free until her death.

Carolyn was a fiercely independent and strong-willed person. Once an idea was in her head she was not going to be easily dissuaded or convinced to try a different approach. At the same time she was generous to a fault and always looking to help others in need even if she wasn't overflowing with physical resources herself. She would always find a way to make things work. She always knew someone to call when there was a need and she had a way of persuading them to pitch in at low or no cost.

Carolyn loved doing crossword puzzles, crafting(macrame and cross-stitching, etc.) and watching movies. She particularly enjoyed westerns and old mysteries. Carolyn also had a green thumb and could bring back plants that were assumed to be beyond help. Not only would they survive after she got her hands on them, they would thrive. She was a doting grandmother and had a special relationship with all of her grandchildren and great-granddaughter. She also filled the role of a surrogate mother, aunt or grandmother to many people over the years.

Carolyn remained physically active until the end and was known to walk great distances, rain or shine. She might have grumbled a bit while out there in the rain but she persevered through it anyway. Her friends and associates often saw her when she was out and about; she had a distinguishable stride that let you know Carolyn was coming through. She had an adventurous spirit and would often ride the train solo to spend time with Tracy, Rethel and Bridgette.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents and three of her siblings. (Donald Willis, Bettye Grate and Annette Robinson) She leaves behind her children Tracy(Rethel) and Montresca, her sister Rosa Vorters, her brothers James "Sonny" Willis (Dorian) and Robert Willis(Cynthia), her grandchildren Selena Bowen , Alexis Tarleton, Louis Segreti and Bridgette Bowen , her great-granddaughter Aalani Jackson, a cherished aunt Marie Whitten and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Carolyn's homegoing service will be held on March 11, 2023 at Mount Carmel Baptist Church, 7237 Tuckaseegee Road, Charlotte, North Carolina. Carolyn was a member of the church in her earlier years and was married there in 1971. The visitation will be at 11 am and the service will begin at 12 pm. Alexander Funeral Home will be handling the services.