Dorothy Faye Fisher Bowen

Dorothy Faye Fisher Bowen, born August 30, 1936, in Ben Hur, Virginia, passed away peacefully at sunrise on the first day of spring, March 20, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of grace, hospitality, and unwavering love for her family and community.

Dorothy was the cherished wife of W. Paul Bowen for 35 years, and a devoted mother to their daughter Angie Bowen and her husband, Todd Derrick. She was a beloved stepmother to Paul Larry Bowen (Christina), Becky Guinn (Bill), and Peggy Dickey (Mike).

She was a loving sister to Rita Feagins (Ken) and brother Junior Fisher (Nancy), as well as many cousins, extended family members, and long-time special friends. She is reunited in peace with her beloved husband Paul, her late sister Zelia Daugherty, her brother J.H., and her cherished parents Bascom and Jewell.

Dorothy was affectionately known as "Gaga" to her grandchildren and one great-grandchild, and was deeply loved by her many nieces, nephews, and her extended adopted family from Angie and Todd's emergency medical, fire, and healthcare communities.

Dorothy was educated at the Whitney School of Business in Kingsport, where she developed the business acumen that she would later use to support Paul in his business endeavors. She was smart, organized, and resourceful, skills that served her well in both her professional and personal life.

A devoted member of Central Baptist Church of Bearden, Dorothy was known for her gracious spirit and her warm hospitality. She was especially treasured for hosting the church's annual Sunday School picnic each summer—an event that became a cherished tradition thanks to her boundless energy and open-hearted generosity.

In her later years, Dorothy found peace and delight in the outdoors, savoring the beauty of nature and the companionship of her cherished "grand dogs," Ava and Emma. She had a great affinity for music and a previously unrecognized flair for the theatrical. Always eager to contribute, Dorothy volunteered as a patient model in training scenarios to help educate new EMS providers, blending her love of people, storytelling, and service in a way that brought delight to everyone involved.

Dorothy lived her life with quiet strength, deep faith, and an ever-present kindness that touched all who knew her. She was welcoming to all, unfailingly gracious, and the embodiment of a true Southern lady. Her legacy of love, service, and faith will continue to live on in the hearts of those she held dear.

Angie and Todd will receive friends in the sanctuary at Central Baptist Church, Bearden (6300 Deane Hill Drive, Knoxville) at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 28, with a service to celebrate Dorothy's life at 11 a.m. Anyone who wishes to travel to the cemetery immediately afterward for prayer and interment is welcome: Edgewood Cemetery, 229 S. Gallaher View Road, Knoxville.

In lieu of flowers, Dorothy requested that donations be made to Central Baptist Church, Bearden, or to a healthcare or public safety charity of your choice in her memory.