Lillian Bowen

Lillian Bowen, 101, went to be with her Lord on January 23, 2026, in Henrico, VA.

Lillian was born on March 28, 1924, in Big Stone Gap, VA, the daughter of the late Talmadge and Callie Gilley.

Lillian loved the Blue Ridge Mountains where she was raised and kept those ties throughout her life. She married Frederick Bowen on July 18, 1947, in Big Stone Gap, Virginia and moved to Richmond.

Lillian was a loving wife, wonderful mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who was deeply devoted to her family. Her love, kindness, and dedication to her faith and family will be remembered by all who knew her. She had a strong work ethic and worked very hard to provide a beautiful and happy life for her family. She was best known for bringing her family together as often as possible and preparing them delicious made from scratch meals. She continued to host her Christmas Party into her nineties, where she served her famous roast beef and strawberry cake. When asked for advise at her 100th Birthday Party, she said " Live right and do everything your supposed to do. Stay busy. Spend time with your children, grandchildren, and friends."

Lillian served her Lord by her daily words and actions, through the children's ministry of her church and contributing to many charitable causes. She was a member of Kingsland Baptist Church for 66 years.

Though her family and her home were always her first priorities, Lillian worked 25 years outside her home as a lab technician for Allied Chemical and Philip Morris. She retired at 62 from Philip Morris. She spent her retirement years enjoying her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, cooking, reading, listening to music, and spending time at her place at Lake Gaston.

Lillian leaves behind to cherish her memory her daughter, Mabel Bowen Weaver (Marty), of Manakin Sabot; her son, Fred Earl Bowen (Wanda), of North Chesterfield; two granddaughters, Laura Weaver Ramaswamy (Nandan) and Michelle Weaver Brooks (Matt); and four great-grandchildren, Lillian and Emerson Brooks, Aidan and Alexander Ramaswamy.

Lillian is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 68 years, Fred Henry Bowen; her parents, Talmadge and Callie Gilley; and her brothers and sister, Earl, Frank, Doyle, Carl, and Lola Mae. The service for Mrs. Lillian Bowen will be held on Monday, February 2, 2026 at 1:00 p.m., at the Chester Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son with a visitation one hour prior. Interment will be held at Dale Memorial Park, Chesterfield, VA, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Lillian's name to Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU.