Emma Gwendolyn Bowen

Emma Gwendolyn Bowen, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 28th, 2024, at the age of 92. Born in Porterdale, GA, on September 28th, 1932, to Homer Day Long and Victoria Imagene Prince, Emma lived a life rich in love, family, and community service.

Emma was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Emory (Dump) Bowen Jr., with whom she shared a joyful marriage of 56 years. Her absence leaves a deep void in the hearts of her surviving family: her children, Vicki and Steve Rider, and Barry and Dina Bowen; grandchildren, Adrienne Williams, Carl Rider(Kristy), Casey Rider(Kati), Drew Bowen, and Alex Bowen; and her cherished great-grandchildren, Tucker and Crews Williams, Hudson and Caroline Rider, and Ella and Emery Rider. She is also survived by her siblings, Leon Long, Sharon Wallace, and Debbie Gossage, alongside numerous generations of nieces and nephews

Emma dedicated her career to serving the City of Covington as a clerk, where she retired. Her work was only one aspect of her devotion to her community. She was actively involved as a volunteer at her church, FUMC Covington, Porterdale Women’s Club, American Legion Auxiliary, the Elks Club, Square dancing with the Newton Hayriders, and various disaster relief organizations.

Her passion for family was unmatched; Emma was ever-present at her grandchildren’s events and never missed an opportunity to gather her loved ones for holidays and special occasions. She loved listening to music and two of her favorites were Alan Jackson and Elvis. Emma's adventurous spirit took her on travels and camping trips, and she took pride in teaching many how to ski at Jackson Lake; where she loved attending Conley Cove Sunday School. A member of Porterdale High School’s last class to only go through 11th grade, she boldly moved to Atlanta with several friends after graduation, working for Southern Bell.

Emma's funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, December 2, 2024, at Caldwell & Cowan Funeral Home, 1215 Access Rd. Covington, GA 30014, with Rev. Dr. Jan McCoy and Rev. Chris Shurtz officiating. Friends are invited to visit with the family two hours prior to the service from 12 until 2 PM, and internment following in Lawnwood Memorial Park.