John Abington Bowen

John Abington Bowen, 69, of Waterview, died on July 20 at Maryview Medical Center after a long and valiant battle with various medical problems over the years. He was born to the late and beloved Mary Virginia and Joseph N. Bowen. He is survived and cherished by his sister, Emma Elizabeth Bowen of Portsmouth, several cousins, and some dear friends. He attended Portsmouth public schools and graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School where he was on the school tennis team and the marching and concert bands. He was an excellent musician, being named number one to the all-state band two consecutive years as a percussionist. He developed a lifelong love for music and was sought after as a professional musician for years. He began his musical career with the Frank Johnson Trio and performed throughout the Hampton Roads area for private functions, and also was in the Virginia Symphony Orchestra. John attended the University of Virginia and graduated from Old Dominion University with a B. A. degree in Mathematics. While at Old Dominion University, he was in the school orchestra, and Alpha Tau Omega social fraternity. John also obtained a M. S. degree in Guidance and Counseling from Old Dominion University and completed the course work for a doctorate (Ph.D) in Educational Research and Administration from Virginia Polytechnic Institute. John worked for both the Portsmouth and Chesapeake school systems, retiring from the Chesapeake school system after 25 years of service, because of permanent health problems. He began his career as a Teacher and then was a Guidance Counselor, Guidance Director, and Assistant Principal. Upon retirement, John knew his family needed him and he devoted himself to being a caretaker for his family. He gladly assumed home and family responsibilities for years, as his parents succumbed to the disabling effects of aging and health problems of their own. He was an outstanding caretaker, being knowledgeable in the use of medications and developed another skill, cooking, in the process. John was a wonderful person, an exceptional person, in so many ways, including his vast knowledge and wisdom, many talents, high standards, and his dedication to his family. He believed that everything should be done right, the best way possible, and there were no exceptions to this rule. He helped so many people in various ways over the years through his work and family life, giving his all to past endeavors as needed. He met life’s challenges with determination and fortitude. He never gave up despite the obstacles he encountered, and experienced years of health problems of increasing severity and disability. He was a person of tremendous strength of character. He was a life-long member of Monumental United Methodist Church. The family would like to extend special thanks and appreciation to those who came to the home to care for John for the past two years: Corinne Dempsey, Latonya Foreman, Jhakayla Graham, Enjoli Hill, Jasmine Johnson, Lisa Johnson, Marquita Jones, and Paige Thomas. John’s death is a great loss to the world. How will we manage without his quick, brilliant mind and his “fix it” ability no matter what the problem is? He was much loved and admired. He was one of a kind. A funeral will be held at Monumental United Methodist Church at 2:00 P.M. Saturday with Reverend Joseph Cailles officiating. Burial will follow in Olive Branch Cemetery. The family suggests memorial contributions to Monumental United Methodist Church. Loving Funeral Home, Churchland Chapel is handling the arrangements.

John Abington Bowen

July 20, 2015