Lutelia Bowen was born on July 17, 1925 in New Castle, Alabama to proud mother Laura Ann Bell. She entered eternal rest on February 20, 2022. Lutelia graduated from Hooper City High school in Birmingham Alabama in 1943. She was named “Miss Hooper City” during her years of study, a prestigious honor bestowed upon academically and socially exceptional young black women in Birmingham.

After graduation she married Leon Bowen and went on to have two beautiful children Nadine Abernathy and Toni Ann Gregory. Mr. and Mrs. Bowen settled in Toledo Ohio were Lutelia held the distinction of being one of the first African American business owners in Toledo. She successfully owned and operated Bowen’s Salon of Beauty for over 30 years. Lutelia received the Lord at a very young age. Her beginnings at Jerusalem Baptist Church would lay the foundation for her desire to be a living witness. As she matured, her life was marked by tireless service in the Church. She graciously served in many capacities including as a member of the Usher Board and the Deaconess Board. As her Church home evolved from St. Paul Baptist under the honorable Reverend John H. McKissick she continued service with New Covenant Baptist Church under the honorable Reverend Benjamin Green. 

Lutelia held a firm personal belief that physical and spiritual wellness was the key to success and longevity. She received numerous community awards over the years for her volunteer work with Mercy Hospital and her values led her to organize “senior walking groups” inspiring others to gather faithfully for exercise and fellowship to the delight of all involved. Lutelia’s graceful beauty, exquisite taste, generous spirit and standard of excellence commanded the respect and love of her family, her Church home and her community. To know her was to love her and she will be dearly missed by the many lives she has touched with her devotion, kindness and generosity.

Lutelia was predeceased by her mother Laura Bell, husband Leon Bowen, daughter Nadine Abernathy, and great-grandson Michael Gregory II. 

She is survived by her daughter Toni Ann Gregory and her grandchildren, Nicole, Carla, Ceceli, Michael and Kyle. Lutelia was blessed with great-granddaughters Lilliana and Aiyanna as well as great-grandsons, Joshua, Marquois, Michael and Jahique. A host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and close family friends will also remember that we were blessed to call her our loving mother Mother and Friend.

Information regarding the Memorial Service for Lutelia Bowen

As the family acknowledges the safety challenges and concerns presented by the global pandemic, we are conducting a Zoom meeting as the platform for the memorial service

A copy of the memorial program may be requested electronically or by mail. Send your requests to:

Cmabernathy@gmail.com

ZOOM Memorial Service for Lutelia Bowen

Date/Time:March 18, 2022 02:00 PM Eastern Time

Please click the following link:

https://zoom.us/j/93276481168

If prompted, please enter the following meeting ID:

932 7648 1168

Physical Address where Memorial will be held:

St. James Miracle Temple

Bishop Joshua Washington, Pastor

1206 McArthur Ave, Dayton (OH), 45408

937-422-4786

Please contact Carla Abernathy for additional details or questions: 937-613-0320