Jerry Benjamin Bowman

Jerry Benjamin Bowman, 82 of Smithfield, passed away at his home on December 2, 2025.

Jerry was known by thousands, as Mr. Bowman, by family and friends as "Bowman", he was called "Dad and Daddy" and later in life, the very special name "Papa".

Here is what you need to know about him….

When Jerry received a living legend award, from Johnston County Schools this is what he said…. He was reminded of Tennyson's famous poem "Ulysses" where the hero declares: "I am a part of all that I have met.". When Jerry Bowman arrived for his first teaching job at Cleveland School, in Johnston County, he recounted that he only knew 4 people, but wow did that change. He estimated that by the time he retired, he had taught over 9000 students. Jerry Benjamin Bowman was born November 19, 1943, in Lawndale, NC. He was one of 6 children, raised by a single mother. He was first generation college graduate and attended what is now Appalachian State University. He grew up in house that had more children than beds and more beds than bedrooms. He was studious and athletic. He played football in high school and attended Boys State. He and his family always worked, getting up early to milk cows or other farm chores, one summer during college, he laid asphalt, or while in college he worked in the cafeteria, all to help pay for his education. All of this formed his unwavering work ethic. He was a self-taught handy man, which came in "handy", as he worked 2-3 other jobs in addition to his professional teaching career, notably teaching night classes 2 nights at week at Johnston Community College. (NC you must invest in teacher pay!).

Jerry loved his time at Cleveland School, especially coaching girls' basketball. In fact, if you need any of his coaching plays from 1967, they are in a binder in his study! When it came time for Johnston County to build a "new" high school, he transitioned to South Johnston High School, where he taught history most of his career, for a 32-year run. There followed many nights of dances, proms, high school football games, honor society meetings and field trips. And, because he just couldn't get enough of the teaching environment, he also did one thing, no parent ever wants to be responsible for, he taught driver's education part-time for 42 years. He gave it his all, and those 9000 students were the beneficiaries.

Jerry's advice to teachers "Treat each child the way that you would treat your own child. Be fair and honest. Create an environment in which each child can reach his highest God-given potential, with good, hard work."

Jerry's family includes his loving wife of 57 years, Jeanene Creech Bowman. They met on a blind date, set up by a mutual friend and teacher, where Jerry picked Jeanene up after her shift at the downtown Howell movie theatre and the rest, was as they say, and Jerry's favorite, subject… "history". Jeanene has cared for Jerry in his most recent years, following his progressive dementia and other health issues, with patience, grace and tenderness. Other family members: Daughter Jina Bowman Propst and husband, William Sims Propst, Jr; granddaughter, Lillian Bowman Propst, grandson William Sims Propst, III and grandson, Benjamin Boylan Propst. Son, Jerry Benjamin Bowman, Jr, and wife Suzanne Grady Bowman; granddaughter Leah Catherine Bowman and granddaughter Lawson Elizabeth Bowman.

Jerry's family in Cleveland County NC, includes his brother Pearl Bowman and wife, Ruth. Sister Millie Hunt and husband Ophus; Brother Miller and wife Katherine; and Sister Mona and husband Jake Brittain. His mother Evangie Bowman and oldest brother Proctor Bowman predeceased him.

Jerry married into the loving and extended Creech and Moore family. He loved his in-laws and they loved him. Imogene and Mark Wilson and family and Junior and Angie Creech and family, all part of Jerry and "a part of all that he met".

Jerry was a life -long member of First Baptist Church, Smithfield. He would always sing in church, and while he was not a good singer, he would say…" God says make a joyful noise, he didn't say it had to sound good". He loved his church home, and his church family, he volunteered there, he taught Sunday School, and he helped establish a boy scout troop. Jerry lived the value of loving your neighbor, and if you were lucky enough to be his, you never had to worry about cutting your grass, because if he was cutting his, he was also going to take care of yours.

Jerry was quoted in a sermon one day at First Baptist Church, Smithfield, as he was known to say, "when have you ever seen a hearse pulling a U-Haul?". That was Jerry's way of reminding you not to store treasures on earth… but "where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Visitation will be on Friday December 5th, 5:00-7:00pm at Underwood Funeral Home, 522 S. Bright Leaf Blvd. Smithfield.

The family will hold a private graveside service on Saturday December 6th.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Jerry Bowman to the First Baptist Church, 202 S. 4th St. Smithfield, NC, or to the charity of your heart.