Bernice Bowles

With hearts full of love, we celebrate the life of Bernice Levonne Blakely Bowles, who passed away peacefully on September 17, 2025, in Atlanta, Georgia, surrounded by family and dear friends. She was 80 years old. Bernice was born on March 10, 1945, in Wilmington, North Carolina, to Rev. Robert J. Blakely, Sr. and Bernice (Simon) Blakely. As a young girl, she moved with her family to Blackshear, Georgia, where she was raised with faith, community, and the love of her siblings. She graduated from Lee Street High School in 1962, where she played basketball on the women's team and sang in the school chorus.
After attending Albany State University, Bernice spent time in New York with her brothers before returning to Georgia. There, she reconnected with her childhood friend Wayne Bowles, who became the love of her life. They married on March 3, 1968, following Wayne's military service, and began a 57-year journey of love, partnership, and family. They settled in Covington, Georgia, raising their sons, Brent and Brandon, in a home filled with love, laughter, and music.
Bernice's faith was her foundation. She was a devoted member of St. Paul AME Church in Covington, where she sang in the choir and worked with the Young People's Department. After moving to Blackshear, she became a member of St. James AME, where she taught Sunday School and served as the Sunday School secretary. She also served the State of Georgia for many years as a Program Manager with what is now the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, ensuring care to children and adults with disabilities.
By far, Bernice's favorite roles were wife, mother, and grandmother. To Wayne, she was Bern-his loving and devoted partner. To her sons, she was Mama, their constant source of encouragement and love. To her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom she loved completely, she was Gramby, their biggest cheerleader.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Frances Adams, and her brother Albert Blakely; mother-in-law, Lillie D. Wilson; sisters-in-law: Dorothy J. James, Dorthea Tippins, and Isabella Heard.
She leaves behind her beloved husband, Wayne Bowles of Blackshear, GA; her children, Brent (Kelly) Bowles of Decatur, GA, and Brandon (Tamesha) Bowles of Covington, GA; her daughter-in-love, Maria Bowles of Powder Springs, GA; her grandchildren, Derron (Whitney) Bowles, Gerard Bowles, Maya Bowles, Ja'Don Bowles, and Trevor McMullen; and her great-granddaughters, Kai and Amirah Bowles. She is also survived by her siblings, Carolyn Gray, Robert Blakely Jr., Julius (Martha) Blakely, and Betty (James) Deen; sisters in law Izella Williams, Marian Adderley and brother in law Alex J. Wilson. along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends..