Mrs. Lillian E. (Bouie) Atkins

Mrs. Lillian E. (Bouie) Atkins, age 83, passed away at the St. Luke’s Home. Her sunset was on Wednesday, September 2, 2015, and at the time of her passing, she was in the hearts of those she loved. Lillian’s sunrise was on an autumn day in Bainbridge, Georgia, October 14, 1931. She was the daughter of the late Moses Wiliford and Everlina Bouie. She received her education in the Georgia school system. In 1955, Lillian relocated to Utica with her younger sister to help run PeWee's Restaurant owned by their eldest brother Leroy. In 1956 she met Eddie Lee Bowen. From that union, she was blessed with 7 children. Eddie passed away in 1967. Lillian entered into a second union when she wed Lawrence Atkins in 1971 and was blessed with a daughter. Lillian, never afraid of hard work, was employed as a fabricator at Beaunit Fibers in Utica. After leaving her position she embarked on a new career as an independent day care provider, a venture which she operated from 1980 until her retirement in 2002. She was lovingly called ‘mama’ by the many children who passed through her doors. To this day they still hold her in the highest regard. In 2004, Lillian moved to Virginia to be close to family, feeling the pull of her roots, in 2015 she came home to Utica. A God-fearing, Holy Ghost filled, fire baptized woman, Lillian loved to work in the church, she served as a talented cook, she threw down the gauntlet in the kitchen. She was known for her pretty fried chicken and her delicious corn bread dressing. In her younger days she was gifted with a heavenly singing voice along with her sisters, they formed the “Golden Star Gospel Group” and “The Deep South Gospel Singers”. As a matriarch, she was generous and loving in nurturing her children, and her maternal ways warmed the hearts of so many. She valued her heart-to-heart connection with her family through the years. Lillian was a hard worker, but when she had the time, she enjoyed scary movies, sweet watermelon, savory maple walnut ice cream, and on certain Sundays, KFC! Lillian was a faithful member of the House of God Church in Utica and also in Newport News, Virginia for almost 50 years. Not only did she cook, she served on the Deacon’s Board, she was a Sunday School teacher, Treasurer, and Choir Member. She leaves a legacy of loyalty and love to her family, her church, and her career. Lillian is survived by her sons, Eddie Cheesman of Utica, Jerry Bowen, and James Bowen, both of Rochester, and Willie Bowen of Utica. She also leaves her daughters and son-in-law, Loretta and Mark Mims of Virginia, and Yolanda Atkins of Utica; and her daughter-in-law, Lanette M. Tyrrell Bowen. She held close to her heart the memories of her sons, Lee Edward Bowen who passed away in childhood, and Dennis James Bowen Sr. who passed away on July 29, 2015. She will be remembered by her 25 grandchildren. She cherished the memory of her grandson, Dennis J. Bowen, Jr./Airman United States Air Force, who preceded her in death. In addition, she leaves 24 great-grandchildren; her siblings, Lillie Holmes-Height, and Willie Wright, both of Utica, and Jerry and Beulah Wright of Ft. Lauderdale, FL; a host of nieces, nephews, and godchildren, John and Magdelena Benjamin of Bronx NY, and Michelle and Philip Campbell of Rochester. She was predeceased by her brother, Leroy Bouie; her sister, Mildred Mills; and her two closest friends, Deaconess Clydie Clark, and Sister Carolyn Upshaw. Visitation will be held Friday morning from 10:00-11:00 at the House of God Church, 1304 Genesee Street. Lillian’s Home Going Celebration will commence at 11:00 A.M. at the church with Elder Mary Hawkins officiating. Interment will follow graveside at New Forest Cemetery.

Mrs. Lillian E. (Bouie) Atkins

October 14, 1931 - September 2, 2015