Virginia Bowdon

Virginia Kirkland Bowdon, a beloved mother, grandmother, and steadfast community member, passed peacefully at the age of 96 on April 23, 2025, in Sunnyvale, Texas. Born on December 28, 1928, in Montgomery, Alabama, Virginia led a life filled with love, faith, and a profound dedication to her family and community.

Virginia graduated from the Texas State College for Women with a degree in Physical Education on June 5, 1950, a day that marked the beginning of her journey as both an educator and a devoted wife. Later that same day, she married the love of her life, Joseph Henry Bowdon, Jr. (Henry), in the Little Chapel in the Woods. Their partnership spanned an incredible 70 years, during which they served 13 churches throughout Louisiana as Henry fulfilled his calling as a pastor in the Methodist Church.

A proud mother of four, Virginia considered her children, Joseph Henry Bowdon III (Jay), John Kirkland Bowdon (Kirk), Kenneth Steven Bowdon (Ken), and Virginia Bowdon Ellsworth (Ginny), to be her greatest achievements. Her nurturing spirit extended into her career as a teacher, where she spent 29 years inspiring young minds. At the age of 60, Virginia earned her certification to teach special education, dedicating nine years to working with autistic and special needs children, a testament to her compassionate nature.

Her legacy is carried forward by her nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, all of whom were deeply cherished by Virginia. Her family recalls her as a fierce protector and a beacon of love, often saying they hit the jackpot with her as a parent.

Virginia was actively involved in her community, sharing her time and talents with the Methodist Women’s Circle and the Delta Kappa Gamma Society. Together with Henry, she embraced the open road as part of the Louisiana Camping Methodists, exploring the southern states with their trailer in tow. A dedicated Den Mother and Girl Scout leader, Virginia’s influence extended beyond her immediate family, touching the lives of many young people.

A quintessential preacher’s wife, Virginia served alongside Henry, offering unwavering support and love to the congregations they led, with her trademark principled approach and occasional candid exceptions. Her faith was the cornerstone of her life, guiding her every step with grace and purpose.

Virginia is preceded in death by her husband, Henry, her brothers Henry Otis Kirkland and Charles Dozier Kirkland, and her parents, John Henry Kirkland and Ocille Starr Kirkland. Her family will carry her memory forward with love and gratitude for the remarkable life she led.

A service to celebrate Virginia’s life will be held at 3:00 PM on Friday, May 2, 2025 in the Johnson Funeral Home Chapel, 4321 Lake Street, Lake Charles, Louisiana. Burial will follow in Graceland Cemetery under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home of Lake Charles. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM on Thursday, May 1, and will resume on Friday, May 2 at 2:00 PM until the start of the service at 3:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to her church for missions or children’s ministry in her memory, continuing her legacy of compassion and community service. First Methodist Forney- mailing address is P. O. Box 3208 Forney Tx 75126 or online at www.firstmethodistforney.org/serve/serve-through-giving/

Virginia’s spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew her, a testament to a life beautifully lived.