Gloria Lee Bowden

Gloria Lee Smith Bowden, 89, of New Church, entered into the loving arms of Jesus on Monday, June 2, 2025, surrounded by her family and her beloved cat, Sonny, following a courageous battle with Parkinson's Disease.

Born on July 5, 1935, she was the daughter of the late William Edward Smith and Ella Mae Lankford Smith of Makemie Park where they resided on the Smith family farm.

She attended Atlantic High School in Oak Hall prior to marrying the love of her life, Herbert Hoover Bowden, Sr. of Chincoteague.

She was a founding member of Pocomoke Church of God in Pocomoke City, renamed Living Waters Inspirational Church of God, where she was actively involved in all aspects of church operations, functions, ministries and outreach for over 60 years. She was awarded Christian Woman of the Year, Certificate of Recognition for Sunday School Outreach to local community nursing homes and retirement homes, and one of the first recipients of the Connie Pruitt Alleman Cornerstone Award.

She was the owner of Sunny Acres Mobile Homes in New Church. She prided herself in going above and beyond in assisting her customers all over Delmarva to become often first-time homeowners for 40 years. In addition to working on her parents' farm growing up, she also cooked for them, her grandparents, aunts and uncles, and her many siblings. Other occupations previously held were poultry farmer, seamstress, and caregiver to an abundance of family members and friends.

Gloria is survived by her two daughters, Darlene Jane Citro (husband Santino) of Oak Hall and Karen Lee Bowden Banks (husband Rodney) of Atlantic; a sister, Evalene Smith Ewell who she lovingly called Evelyn, (husband Eddy); two brothers, Richard William Smith of Princess Anne and Marvin Jerome Smith of Snow Hill; grandchildren Jennifer Bowden Pack (husband Don), Jason Allen Bowden (wife Nicole), Jonathan Adam Bowden (wife Angie), Joseph Andrew Bowden, Victoria Lynn Citro (fiancée Rae), Jacqueline Lee Citro, Jacob Daniel Horsman, Sheena Lynn Horsman, Anna Hope Horsman, Jessica Keller; great grandchildren Noah Israel Pack, Camryn Gabrielle Bowden, Kirsten Brielle Bowden, Damienn Santino Anthony Citro, Abbygail Lynn Phillips , Nyla Jane Hinmon and Amy Lynn Smack; great, great grandchild Zariah Noel Bowden; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband of 46 years, Herbert Hoover Bowden, Sr.; a son, Herbert Hoover Bowden, Jr.; daughter-in-law, Angela McCready Bowden; a grandson, Joshua Aaron Bowden; son-in-law, Ronnie Eugene Horsman; a sister, Fairy McGee, brothers, Edward Randolph Smith, Edward William Smith, and Charlie Franklin Smith; special sister-in-laws, Shirley Smith, Betty Smith, and Sue Smith; brother-in-law, Nelson McGee.

Arrangements include a viewing from 6-8 pm Thursday, June 5, 2025, at Thornton's Funeral Home in Parksley and from 1-2 pm Friday, June 6, 2025, at Living Waters Inspirational Church of God in Pocomoke City followed by a Celebration of Life at 2 pm conducted by Rev. Greg Fentress, Bro. David Emely, and Rev. Kevin Wilson.

Interment will be in Downing's Cemetery in Oak Hall followed by a fellowship meal at Living Waters Inspirational Church of God in Pocomoke City.

Arrangements are by the Thornton Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Parksley.