Rose Marie Bowen

Bastian, VA- Rose Marie (Rosie) Branham Bowen, 84, joined her beloved R.T. in the dance she promised him in his last hours and embraced her precious son, Joe Don once again on September 7, 2018. One of eleven children born to Mont and Marie (Byrd) Branham, Rosie was born on September 5, 1934, in Bluefield, WV. Rosie was preceded in death by her parents; husband, R.T. Bowen; son, Joe Don Bowen; brothers, James, Boyd, Thomas, Mont, Jr., and Everett Branham; sisters, Dora Gearheart and Lou Mayse. Left to cherish her memory are daughters, Debbie (Ed) Burge, Ruth Ann (Johnny) Lazenby; and son, R.T. (Debra) Bowen, III; grandchildren, Sarah (Michael) Kidd, Heath (Lori) Havens, Jessica (Joe) Nunez, Sherri (David) Mitchell, Nick Bowen, Sara (Moose) Lester and Todd (Tiffany) Lazenby; 14 great-grandchildren; sisters, Barbara Duke and Mary Bobbitt; brother, Jessie (Beverly) Branham; sisters-in-law, Wilma Barbery and Pat Bowen; a host of nieces and nephews; her special caregiver and “sister”, Judy LeMasters; and her dog, Trixie. Rosie attended Beaver High School where she played basketball and was a member of the Drum and Bugle Corp. She married her “G-Man” R.T. in 1953, remaining devoted to him for 61 years until his death in 2015. Her career as a secretary included many years at Flat Top Insurance and the Bland County Board of Education. She loved her family dearly and cherished time spent with them, especially the large, loud, and wonderfully chaotic holiday dinners and celebrations. The greatest heartbreak of her life was the death of her son, Joe Don, in 2002. Rosie’s faith was of great importance to her and she loved her church family. She was a long-time member of Rocky Gap United Methodist Church, was active in UMW, and served in several other capacities within the church. Her life will be honored and celebrated at Mercer Funeral Home in Bluefield, WV on Tuesday, September 11, 2018 with a visitation from noon until 2:00 p.m. and service immediately following at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Rodney Lawson officiating. Burial will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Grandview Memory Gardens in Bluefield, VA where grandsons will serve as pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, the family recommends donations be made in Rosie’s memory to Rocky Gap United Methodist Church, 12508 North Scenic Highway, Rocky Gap, VA 24366, or to Appalachian Teen Challenge, 1651 Unity Road, Princeton, WV 24739. Those wishing to share memories or condolence messages with the family may do so by visiting www.MercerFuneralHome.com Mercer Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family of Rose Marie (Rosie) Branham Bowen.

Rose Marie Bowen

September 5, 1934 - September 7, 2018