Callou Mae Bowden

DOVER - Callou Mae Bowden was born on Aug. 28, 1950, in Eastville, Va. She was the daughter of the late Edward and Marion Palmer. Callou was educated in the Machipongo School District where she met and later married her high school sweetheart Lawrence Bowden. Four children were the fruit of this union. Callou was a skilled seamstress and continued in this profession until she was no longer able due to illness. Callou also loved to craft and enjoyed sharing her handiwork with others. She also loved fishing and crabbing. In May of 1978 Callou gave her life to Christ. She joined Emmanuel Pentecostal Church of God. She worked diligently in the church and in 1980 she was licensed as a missionary. She taught Sunday School, Vacation Bible School and served as a faithful usher. In 2002 she, along with her husband moved to Virginia. They joined Mt. Sinai Holy Tabernacle where she was ordained as an elder. Elder Bowden loved the church and served faithfully doing whatever her hands found to do. In the meantime her body was stricken with many illnesses but she never lost her praise. She and her husband eventually moved back to Delaware. While in Delaware, Greater Love Temple provided watch care. Callou continued to serve the Lord wholeheartedly. Mom-Mom, as she was affectionately called by her grandchildren, loved to cheer them on during a variety of sporting events. She always had time to make each grandchild feel special. This gentle, energy-kissed, humble servant leaves to cherish her memory her husband of 43 years, Lawrence; four children, Lisa Wilson (Calvin Sr.), Cynthia Matthews (Carl Sr.), Lawrence Jr., Jerusha Gibson (Jesse Sr.); two sisters, Annibell Campbell (Louis), Marion Bowden; one brother, Harvey Palmer; great aunt, Lucy Briddell; great uncle, Aaron Briddell; thirteen grandchildren, Carl Jr., Mariah, Calvin Jr., Jeremy, Stephen, Antonio Jr., Simone, Christa, Sayyid, Edward, Jahveh, Jesse Jr., William; three Godchildren, Jonathan Kaiser, Angelina Graham, Andra Dickerson; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, church family and many dear friends. Viewing will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, at Bennie Smith Funeral Home, located at 717 West Division Street, Dover. Funeral service will be 1 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 3, at Mt. Sinai Gospel Tabernacle, Fairview, Va. Viewing will be two hours prior to service.