Americus Bowens Obituary

Celebration of Life Service Monday 11:00 am Live Streaming @ Memorial Church of God in Christ "Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee. " (Jeremiah 1:5) Americus Finney was born at 10:00 a. m. on Saturday morning, April 23, 1932, to Mr. and Mrs. Joe and Hattie (Jackson) Finney Sr. in Juliette, Georgia (formerly known as Glover). Americus was the sixth born of eight children and made her entrance into the world when both her parents were exactly 31 years of age. Her father worked on the railroad while her mother was a housewife. "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. " (II Timothy 2:15) Americus was raised in Monroe County, Georgia, where she attended public schools. She accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age and joined St. Paul A. M. E. Church of Juliette. Americus relocated from South Georgia to South Bend, Indiana, in the late 1940s to live alongside one of her older sisters, Josie. During her early adulthood in South Bend, she became an active member of Emmanuel Deliverance Church of God in Christ, where she served as a member of the Young Women Christian Council, Women's Mission and Senior Choir. "Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the Lord. " (Proverbs 18:22) On a memorable Labor Day in 1951 in South Bend, Americus met a handsome young military man by the name of Henry Hastings Bowens. Their initial encounter was described by both as love at first sight. They were engaged in December of the same year and united in holy matrimony a few weeks later on January 26, 1952, at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church. Their 51-year-long union was blessed with the birth of three daughters and three sons, and in 1962, Mrs. Bowens and her family returned to the Peach State, a place she and Henry both called home in their youth. Americus spent much of her time as a loving wife and devoted homemaker during her children's early years. She later started a second career as a food service professional for the State of Georgia, where she worked tirelessly for 25 years before retiring. Mrs. Bowens was well known at the Georgia State Capitol building for her world-renowned desserts, including her pound cake, apple pie, peach cobbler and more. "As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good steward of the manifold grace of God. " (1 Peter 4:10) Mother Bowens continued her spiritual growth and development by joining Gospel Temple Church of God in Christ of Conley, Georgia, under the servant leadership of Bishop Richard "Mr. Clean" White Sr. , where she gave many years of faithful service. During this time, the distinct honor of a Deaconess Missionary License was commended unto her based upon the careful examination of her qualifications, gifts, graces, and usefulness for local work. Mother Bowens thoroughly enjoyed reading God's Holy Word and listening to gospel music on a daily basis. "We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. " (II Corinthians 5:8) Americus Bowens walked gracefully into the light on a beautiful Friday afternoon on March 31, the last day of Women's History Month in 2023, at 12:45 p. m. As she was called home, she was surrounded by loving and caring family members and the most endearing caretakers. She embarked on her journey to meet the Lord with loved ones by her side at her adored home of over 50 years in the Oakland City community of southwest Atlanta. "My flesh and my heart faileth; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion for ever. " (Psalms 73:26) Americus will be remembered eternally as a virtuous woman who sincerely cared for others and as a God-fearing Christian who raised her children and grandchildren to fear as well as serve the Lord. Mrs. Bowens was always available to lend a helping hand, to do a favor or to give a word of comfort or encouragement to someone in need of a friend; she was intuitive and would always find the right words of wisdom to uplift the spirits of those around her. Mother Bowens was always fashionably sensitive, especially on Sunday mornings. She loved to cook for her beloved family and always enjoyed a good dessert, even if it was just a bite-sized piece of her favorite candy, Almond Joy. Americus F. Bowens was preceded in death by her husband, Deacon Henry H. Bowens; her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Joe Finney Sr. ; her older brother, Mr. Sherman (Evelyn) Finney; four older sisters, Mrs. Marjorie (Charles) Bond, Mrs. Marie (William) Mann, Mrs. Josie (Gus) Watkins and Mrs. Doris (Charlie) Reding; and a son, Christopher Canell Bowens. She leaves to cherish her abundant life, lasting legacy, bright spirit and fondest memories, her younger sister, Mrs. Edna Thomson of Greensboro, NC; youngest brother, Mr. Joe Finney Jr. of Juliette, GA; three daughters, Caprice Mitchell of Stockbridge, GA, Caressa Harris of Union City, GA and Mr. & Mrs. Timothy (Cynthia) Herring of Conley, GA; two sons, Rev. and Mrs. Dennis (Christy) Bowens Sr. of East Point, GA and Mr. & Mrs. Mark (Wanda) Bowens of Riverdale, GA; fifteen grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of , please .