Carolyn Valentour Bowden
1937-2021
Carolyn Valentour Bowden, 83, of Missouri City, Texas was born on December 1, 1937 and was called to her heavenly home on Wednesday, May 19, 2021. Carolyn was born in Jackson, Mississippi and was the eldest of two children born to parents, Melvin and Kay Valentour.
She attended the University of Mississippi where she graduated with her Bachelors of Science in Commerce and was a proud sister of the Delta Gamma Sorority. After college, Carolyn would go on to work at Reed Tool Company where she met her future husband, Joe Bowden. On February 6, 1960, she and Joe were married in Houston, TX where they would settle and spend 61 years of marriage filled with family, friends, and love.
Carolyn was a devoted member of First United Methodist Church in Missouri City. She lived her life as a faithful servant of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Among her greatest joys was raising her children, as well as being an active role model to other youth. She was a devoted Granny and loved being actively and uniquely involved in each of her seven grandchildren's lives. More recently, Carolyn had the honor of becoming a great-grandmother. She took pride in being a "granny" to all she met and was insistent on being called as such. She was always extremely passionate with regard to any undertaking. She was active in her church, including teaching Sunday school for over 50 years, was an organizer and leader in the Girl Scouts, and was a valued community advocate, serving her community through Quail Valley Proud. She wrote four books regarding the history of the Missouri City area as well as articles for a local newspaper.
Carolyn was preceded in death by her father, Melvin Valentour and mother, Kay Valentour. She is survived by her brother, Jerry Valentour; husband, Joe Bowden; daughters, Cara Quirch (Jorge), Laura Earwood (Mark); son, Brent Bowden (Susan); seven grandchildren, and 1 great-grandchild.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 28, 2021 at 2:00pm at First United Methodist Church in Missouri City, 3900 Lexington Blvd. Missouri City, TX 77459.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution can be made in her memory to First United Methodist Church in Missouri City.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Houston Chronicle on May 26, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Carolyn Bowden

Sponsored by Neptune Society - Houston.

7 Entries

Judy Matney

May 28, 2021

Carolyn was a wonderful friend. She always made an effort to keep in touch. I looked forward to seeing her at our special lunches. She communicated humorous stories about her vacations with Joe and her children. Each Christmas Eve, her house was filled with neighbors, family, and friends. She made our block in Quail Valley the envy of the neighborhood as all the families in the block were so close. She will be missed by all.

Randal Glenn

May 26, 2021

Lisa and I have known and loved Carolyn for many years. Never was there a more gracious, loving, positive, genuine lady walking this earth than Carolyn. Just to be in her presence, one felt an uplifting of the spirit and a gentle calmness in the heart. She was a friend to everyone, a second mother to many and a gift to us all. Carolyn will be missed terribly. God bless you Carolyn!

Jack Hodson

May 26, 2021

Another great Fort Bender passes from the scene. I worked closely with her when I was with the Fort Bend Chamber, and she was always a supportive member, willing to take on any task and do it well. My condolences to her family, her Quail Valley friends, and all who had the privilege of being a part of her "circle". We will all miss her terribly.

Eternal Affection Arrangement- BASKET INCLUDED

Judy Matney

Sent Flowers

James Thurmond

May 26, 2021

I worked with Carolyn for 10 years when I served as the city manager. She was something special. When I attended my first Quail Valley Proud meeting in 1993, I identified her right away as being someone who could get something done, ensure that a meeting was progressing and accomplishing something, and having the ability to calm down an unhappy resident. She was what we call in school, the civic infrastructure of a community, which is more important many times than the physical infrastructure of a community [e.g., streets, buildings, etc.] The civic infrastructure gets things done for the community by emphasizing citizen participation and involvement in problem-solving -- i.e., instead of complaining and whining, do something; get involved. And Carolyn certainly did that. She made me do my job better, and she also made my job easier by nudging homeowners to keep their property up for the good of the whole community.

Laura Reynolds Corrieri

May 26, 2021

In loving memory of a wonderful person. CVB had a big impact on me during my childhood as a scout leader, Sunday school teacher, mother-figure and friend. Still using knowledge and wisdom I learned from her to this day. ❤

Mildred Ratliff

May 26, 2021

Bowden Family,
I met Carolyn 8 years ago, and we immediately became true partners in crime. She was funny witty and full of life! She will truly be miss.
May God keep you all covered in his unconditional love showering you with his blessings of strength each day and the days to come holding you in the palm of his hands.

Forever in my thoughts and prayers ❤

Mildred Ratliff
Friend/ Huntington

Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results