Mr. Willie E. Bowen

Willie E. Bowen age 51, passed away on Monday, March 28, 2016. He was surrounded by the love of his family at the time of his passing. He was born in Utica on May 24, 1964 to the late Eddie Lee Bowen and Lillian Elizabeth Bouie. He attended Conklin Elementary, graduated from Thomas R. Proctor High class of 1982 and he attended Buffalo State. Willie had a proficiency and passion for the game of basketball. His talent, speed, and strength secured him the position of small forward on the Freshman, JV, and Varsity teams during his high school years. When it came to the game, he knew and could recite the stats and great moments in history of the leading professional players. Willie was a proud veteran having served in the United States Army from which he was honorably discharged. He was never afraid of hard work. He worked in construction for 3 years. He worked various jobs over the years, most notably Mohawk Valley Business Systems in their Collections Department. Willie Woop was so caring and concerned about others. He had a special fondness for assisting the elderly. He was a natural caregiver. He would say the silliest things to make you laugh. He cared very much about looking good. He taught himself how to cut hair and became an unofficial "barber". Throughout his youth, you could find Willie in the city parks putting together teams to play ball. They were fun times which included a whole lot of trash talking and creative tallying when it came to points earned. During family reunion picnics, softball, and volleyball were the games of choice. He loved getting together with family, enjoying food and listening to the elders reminiscing about the days of old. Willie was a very giving person, both spiritually and naturally. Once he became aware of his illness, his wisdom excelled. Because he knew that tomorrow is not promised to anyone, he was adamant about his family mending fences and being in a good place with one another. In the days leading up to his passing he became very quiet. Willie focused on his faith. He opened his heart to prayer, his mind to meditation, and his soul to God. Willie will be welcomed home by his mom whom he loved dearly and helped care for, Lillian Atkins who passed away on September 2, 2015, his dad, Eddie Lee Bowen, who passed away in early 1960s, and his brothers, Dennis Bowen Sr., who passed on July 29, 2015 and Lee Edward Bowen who passed in April 1966. He will remain in the hearts of his siblings: Eddie Cheesman, Jerry Bowen, James Bowen, Loretta and Mark Mims, Yolanda Atkins, one God sister, Yvonne and Phillip Campbell. He was blessed to have someone he held so dear and called his second mom: Ms. Elouise Wallace and brothers forever; Donnell Wallace, Chris Harvey, Bobby Carter, Kip Rutger, Ricky Smith, Willie Felton. They were always there for each other despite the distances. He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grand nephews, cousins, especially John Holmes, Myrtis & Fred Winston, Lillie & Walter Savage, and Joanie Barnes. He will also be remembered by his aunts and uncles, Lillie Mae Holmes-Height, Willie Wright, and Jerry & Beulah Wright. The family extends sincere appreciation to the personnel at St Elizabeth Medical Center 3rd floor for their compassion and hospitality to Willie and the family. The family also wishes to thank the 6th floor medical staff at St Luke’s Health Care Center that showed genuine concern and attended to Willie's needs with compassion. We also thank Dr. Merima Romavic for her kindness during a difficult time, and after Willie's passing. Visitation will be held on Saturday morning April 9, 2016, from 10:00-11:00 at the House of God Church, 1304 Genesee Street, Utica, NY 13501. Home going service will start at 11:00 upon conclusion of visitation. Interment will take place at New Forest Cemetery.

Mr. Willie E. Bowen

May 24, 1964 - March 27, 2016