Barbara Avera Bowen

Mrs. Barbara Avera Bowen, age 87 of Americus, passed away on April 10, 2026 at her residence surrounded by her family. A celebration of life will be held 4:00 P.M., Monday, April 13, 2026 in the chapel of Aldridge Funeral & Cremation Services. A visitation will be held on Monday, April 13, 2026 from 3:00 P.M – 4:00 P.M. Internment will follow at Rehoboth Baptist Church. Rev. James Beckett will officiate the services.

Barbara Avera Bowen was born January 20, 1939 in Cuthbert, GA to the late Bry and Fannie Avera. She graduated from Cuthbert High School afterwards she went to South Georgia Technical College and received her degree in nursing. Barbara loved to cook, anyone that knew her ate one of her delicious meals or knew that kitchen, was HER kitchen! She had an exceptional green thumb and grew beautiful flowers that she was so proud of. She loved the outdoors, either on family camping trips or on train rides through the Tennessee mountains she loved to admire God’s creation. The Tennessee Valley Rail Road Museum was one of her favorite stops on vacation. She retired from nursing at Sumter regional Hospital and volunteered for Rehoboth Baptist Church nursery. She was a faithful member of Rehoboth Baptist Church.

She is survived by her husband, William Urben Bowen. Her two daughters; Beverly Bowen Goodman of Andersonville and Bonnie Bowen Jones (Randy) of Americus. Her sister, Josephine Adkins of North Carolina, and her sister-in-law Betty Avera. She is also survived by her four grandchildren; Billy Goodman, Angela Goodman, Nichole Gillis and Lacy Thomas (Johnny). She will be cherished by nine great-grandchildren; Aniya Goodman, Khloe King, Emersyn King, J R Richards, Brent Gillis, Tesla Gillis, Gracey Thomas, John Reed Thomas, and Michael Clayton Thomas.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her sisters and brothers-in-law Ann Smith (Pete), Dosie Ruthie Brown (Thurman), Pearlie Mae Summers (Tom), Mary Frances Robinson (Marvin). Her brothers, William Theodore Avera and Charley Rudolph Avera.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made out to Gideons Camp International.

The family would like to thank Gentiva Hospice for their professionalism and outstanding care.