Lawrence James Bowden Sr.

Lawrence James Bowden, Sr. was born May 9, 1946 in Capeville, Virginia. He was the son of the late Etta Mitchell and Jimmy Williams. Lawrence was educated in the Capeville and Machipongo School District where he met and later married his high school sweetheart Callou Palmer. He was a skilled checkers player and musician. Lawrence and Callou were married November 8, 1965. Four children were born to this union. In 1967 Lawrence moved his young family to Norwalk, Connecticut. There he began his car and truck detailing business, B&B Car & Truck Wash. He worked for numerous car dealerships in the area. He also continued pursuing his passion for race cars. During the early 70s he established a gospel quartet group, the Wandering CCs (Christian Children). They participated in many gospel programs with the Gospel Keynotes and Mighty Clouds of Joy in the NY NJ CT area. Brother Lawrence was the lead guitar player. In 1978, the family moved again to Dover DE. The family joined Emmanuel Pentecostal Church of God under the leadership of Bishop Joseph Cooper, Sr. Brother Lawrence continued his music ministry with the Gospel Impressions as the bass guitarist. They participated in many gospel programs up and down the East Coast. In the late 70s, Lawrence received Jesus as his personal savior. Later Bro. Lawrence was ordained as a deacon and performed his duties faithfully for over 30 years. In 2002 he, along with his wife, Elder Callou Bowden, moved to Virginia. They joined Mt. Sinai Holy Tabernacle where he continued his service as a deacon and musician. Deacon Bowden loved caring for the saints and the work of the church. He and Elder Bowden returned to Delaware and joined Greater Love Temple under the late Bishop Curtis Bordley and continued his membership under the leadership of Elder Phillip Coley until his illness prevented him from attending. Pop-Pop as he was lovingly called by his grandchildren, loved to be surrounded by them and taught them the value of a good work ethic. He enjoyed taking them to work and teaching them about his profession. He received great joy playing checkers, dominos and card games with them. Deacon Bowden was preceded in death by his loving wife of 43 years, Elder Callou Bowden; his mother, Etta Mitchell; three brothers, Purnell Bowden, Watson Bowden, and Earnest Mitchell; two sisters, Rosetta Wilson and Louella Bowden; and a son-in-law, Carl Matthews, Sr. He leaves to cherish his memory four children, Lisa Wilson (Calvin, Sr.); Cynthia Matthews; Lawrence Bowden, Jr. (Dawn); Jerusha Bowden-Gibson (Jesse Sr.); one brother Nelson Bowden (Ida); fifteen grandchildren, Carl Jr., Mariah, Calvin Jr., Jeremy, Stephen, Adriance, Simone, Christa, Sayyid, Edward, Jahveh, Jesse Jr., William, Sa’niya, and Niy’lah; two great-grandchildren, Gavin and Zola; four Godchildren, Antoine Cubbage, Jonathan Kaiser, Angelina Graham, Andra Dickerson; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, church family and many dear friends. Lovingly Submitted, The Family To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Lawrence James Bowden Sr., please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

Lawrence James Bowden Sr.

May 9, 1946 - December 20, 2017