Mary Irene Bowen

Mary Irene Bowen, 81, of Shelbyville passed away Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at Major Hospital. Born May 20, 1930, in Gastonia, North Carolina, she was the daughter Thomas and Fanny Lou (Babb) Green. She married Robert G. Bowen, Sr. on September 12, 1952, and he preceded her in death on March 23, 2002. Survivors include her sons, Robert "Gary" (wife, Joanne) Bowen and Warren C. (wife, Denise) Bowen, both of Shelbyville, and Timothy K. Bowen of Columbus, Ohio; grandsons, Robert "Bobby" (wife, Elizabeth) Bowen, Christopher Bowen, Dustin "Dusty" Bowen, Kevin Bowen and Tyler Bowen; and granddaughters, Jamie Lee (husband, Andy) Gibbs, Mandy Matthews and Brittany Bowen; five great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Yvonne Poteat of Bessemer City, North Carolina and several nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by her parents; grandson, Joshua Bowen; and brothers, William Green, Edward Green, Vernon Green and David Green. Mrs. Bowen graduated from Gastonia High School in 1948 and received her registered nursing pin from Gaston Memorial Hospital in 1951. She retired from nursing in 1995 after working at both Major Hospital and Heritage House Children's Center. She returned to Shelbyville in 2005 and was employed by Sharp Trophies by Mack. Mrs. Bowen was a member of West Street United Methodist Church, where she sang in the choir and taught adult Bible classes. She enjoyed eating lunch at Grandma's Pancake House and Chicken Inn, knitting and reading. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, January 19, 2012 at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, Carmony-Ewing Chapel, 819 S. Harrison St. Funeral services will be at 7 p.m. at the funeral home, with Pastor Perry Richards officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Major Hospital Foundation, Benesse Patients, 150 W. Washington St., Shelbyville, Indiana 46176.