October 10, 2020, 72, Goldsboro
Willie Odell Bowden, 72, of 104 S. Center Street died Saturday in Kitty Askins Hospice.
Willie Odell Bowden was born April 1, 1948 in Duplin County, North Carolina to the late Josephine Bowden Hubbard and the late Willie Herring. He was called to eternal rest on October 10, 2020 at Kitty Askins Hospice Center.
Odell graduated from Dillard High School, a proud member of the class of 1966. Odell loved working with his hands. He spent the majority of his career as a general contractor in the greater Goldsboro and Raleigh metro areas. He was also a gifted visual artist. Odell had a genuine heart for people and consistently demonstrated compassion and a true love for others. His missionary work was both local and abroad, where he served people from all walks of life through the ministry of The Word Church and House of Fordham in Goldsboro, NC. Odell enjoyed talking politics and always kept his television glued to MSNBC to learn of current events.
“He didn’t bring me this far for nothing.” Odell often encouraged himself with this phrase when facing obstacles in life. He would remind himself that God’s love was greater than any challenge or setback he would face. Odell’s race ended following a diagnosis of lung cancer. His faith and determination sustained him throughout his prognosis. While in hospice care, he recognized and responded to visitors/phone calls and lifted his arms in worship. He was loved and cherished by his family until his last breath.
Odell was preceded in death by his mother, Josephine Bowden Hubbard; father, Willie Herring; and sister, Theresa (James) Barry. He leaves to cherish his memories—children, Chandra (Courtney) Owens of Lexington, KY, Daniel Bowden of Raleigh, NC; grandchildren, Cayden, Gabriel, and Grace; sister, Cheryl Ruffin of Homewood, FL; brother-in-Law, James (Theresa) Barry of Cedar Hill, TX, nephew: Isaac Ruffin of Tampa, FL; niece: Talitha Ruffin of Homewood, FL; former wife, Linda S. Bowden of Raleigh, NC; and a host of other relatives, friends and loved ones.
There will be a memorial visitation in the sanctuary of the Word Church, 500 N William St, Goldsboro 27530 Saturday, October 17th from 10am-3pm. The event will incorporate proper social distancing practices. Drop in anytime, and please take time to sign a “My favorite memory” card. Your stories would mean so much to us!
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Mrs. Tamika Lee: (919) 222-2330.
