Obituary of Cornelia Bowman

Cornelia (Connie) Bowman was the oldest child born on February 25, 1925 to Charlotte and Edward Brooks in Heineman, South Carolina. She was followed by sisters Edith and Everlena and raised in Kingstree, South Carolina. In her young adult life she met and married Sam (Buddy) Parson. To this union four children were added. After a season of being a single mom, she met and married KayFrank Bowman. From this union Connie was blessed with more two children as well as a Step Daughter, Marion. The Bowman’s provided a loving home for their family in Roosevelt, NY where Connie was known as the HAT LADY as well as a Fashion Plate. Mama was the Mother of Calvary Baptist Church, serving as a Senior Missionary as well as a Trustee. She received numerous awards for her dedicated service throughout her community and Nassau County. She leaves to treasure precious memories her sister Everlena; 6 children: James (Grace); Elijah (Paulette); Charlotte; Mary; Frank Jr. and Anastasia (Kevin). Grandchildren: Dorothy; Johnny; James; Matthew; Joseph; Lamar; Damon; Jermaine; Mendeces; Leytia; Chayla Cornelia #2; Elijah E.; Chris; Travis; Jeremy; Brittany, and 4 additional grands. Great grands: Shenea; Schanille; Shana; Jamie; Jasmine; Tiffany; Cassie; Michelle; Junior; Anari; Shai; Chaz; Cameron; Brianna; Isaiah; Tamera; Justin; A’nyla; Marley; Mason, Jeremiah; Kristina; TJ; Marquis; Bianca; Cameron; Kevin; J.R.; Christian; Akia; Ashton and Sean. Mama’s legacy also reaches to numerous great-great and great-great-great grandchildren. She also leaves to carry on her legacy nieces Virginia and Vernell; nephews Butch and Tyrone; a beautiful Aunt (Ching Graham) and a host of other family and friends. Prayerfully submitted by Mary Parsons, Daughter I feel as though I could write a book regarding our Mother's life so l will do my best to make this brief. Our Mother was a very sensitive and compassionate person. She loved her family, friends, colleagues, and students very deeply. She had the gift of gab and somehow was able to have complete strangers share their life story with her within their very first conversations. She truly had a compassionate, open heart. I remember the days when we lived on Allers Boulevard and our whole neighborhood was like family. Mama had an open door policy whether it was neighbors walking in for sugar or eggs, or the neighborhood kids coming to her for advice, shelter, and a free meal. She always loved the children – including her sisters, cousins, nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren. And I believe she felt the need to take care of everyone though it was not always her responsibility. We don’t know how she managed to raise a family, return to school to finish her studies, still cook for us, and show up to all our activities. She exposed us to diverse experiences including sports, the arts and a world of possibilities. We were taught strong values and the importance of family, faith, hard work, kindness, tolerance, generosity, forgiveness and love. She was a strong woman, stubborn, but gentle but direct with an amazing sense of humor. The last 3 or 4 years were hard for Mama with the return of physical challenges and other illnesses she coped with courageously. We know she is at peace now. We have lost many family members and friends over the years, especially in the last few, but are comforted by the fact that Mama is in heaven sharing her gift of gab and making her mean greens. I hope and pray that our generation can continue the passion and love of family that our Mother shared with us. To God be the Glory!