Jimi Hicks Bowen Forward

Jimi Hicks Bowen Forward, age 79, of Conyers, GA and most recently Athens, GA, passed away on November 11, 2023 with her daughter and son-in-law at her side. Jimi was born August 13, 1944 to James Tillman Hicks, Sr. and Lois Reagan Hicks of Conyers, GA. Jimi was a graduate of Rockdale County High School and was Miss Rockdale County. She attended the University of Georgia where she earned a Bachelor degree in sociology and was president of Kappa Delta sorority.

After graduating from UGA, Jimi lived in Okinawa, Japan, where she taught school, and Newtown, Connecticut, where she earned a Master of Education degree and learned the travel business. She moved back to Conyers in 1977 and opened Bowen's Travel Agency. After successfully owning and operating her own business for almost 40 years, she retired to Lake Oconee.

Jimi was active in the community. After living abroad in Japan, she started the Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival in 1982 to celebrate cultures around the globe. She was a member of the Rotary Club of Conyers, became a Paul Harris Fellow, and served a term as president. She was a Trustee of Salem Campground and was a member of Conyers First United Methodist Church and later Greensboro First United Methodist Church.

Jimi had a zest for life. She loved traveling, playing piano, gourmet cooking, hosting parties, and talking with people from all walks of life. She never met a stranger, and she was known for her charm and outgoing personality.

Jimi is preceded in death by parents J.T. Hicks, Sr. and Lois Reagan Hicks; brother James Tillman "Sonny" Hicks, Jr.; former husband Malcolm Bowen; and husband Roy Forward.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Alexandra "Allie" Bowen Cox and Carey Cox, and sister, Beth Hicks Ray.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 21, 2023 from 11am-1pm at Scot Ward Funeral Services at 699 American Legion Road, Conyers, GA 30012. A private burial service at East View Cemetery will follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Salem Campmeeting (www.salemcampmeeting.org) or the Wounded Warrior Project (woundedwarriorproject.org).

Condolences may be submitted on-line at www.scotward.com. Scot Ward Funeral Services, 699 American Legion Road, Conyers, GA 30012, 770-483-7216.