Jean Carolyn Everett Bowen, age 78, a resident of Croatan Ave., Bath (Bayview), passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2016.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am Friday, September 16, 2016 in the Chapel of Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington, with Rev. Merritt Watson officiating. Burial will follow at Pamlico Memorial Gardens. Serving as pallbearers are: Rodney Bowen Jr., Rodney “Trey” Bowen III, Adrian Bowen, Dustin Hollis, Jason Hollis and Shane Griekspoor.

Jean was born in Beaufort County on July 23, 1938, to the late Robert Thomas Everett Jr. and Blanche Jordan Everett. She was also preceded in death by a brother, Ellis Everett and a son-in-law Whit Blackstone.

On September 23, 1961 Jean married the love of her life, Rodney Bowen, who survives. Surviving along with Rodney are their three children, a son Rodney Bowen Jr. and his wife Sarah of Bath, two daughters, Lucinda “Cindi” Bowen Hollis and husband Warner of Williamston, Shannon Blackstone of Washington; eight grandchildren, Rodney “Trey” Bowen III of Wilmington, Adrian Bowen of Washington, Hannah Bowen of Bath, Dustin Hollis, Jeana Hollis, Jason Hollis, all of Williamston, Marla Waters of Bear Grass and Malissa Waters of Washington; three brothers, Donald Everett and wife Marion, John Everett and wife Terry, both of Bath, Robert Everett III and wife Julie of Stokes; and one sister, Helen Everett of Bath.

Following her graduation from Bath High School and Kings Business College, Jean worked at Guy T. Swindell’s jewelry store. As she was raising her children she was very active within the community. She was a Historic Bath tour guide, a Girl Scout Leader and a basket maker. She taught basket classes through Beaufort County Community College and the Blind Center in Washington. She was a member of the NC Basketmakers Association, the Olde Towne Book Club, Bath Christian Church and was the founder of the Bath Christmas Parade. She wrote and published two books about basket making, two genealogy books and a cookbook.

In her free time, she enjoyed her grandchildren and attending their many different events. She also enjoyed watching basketball games with Rodney, knitting, crocheting and reading.

Visitation will be Thursday, September 15, 2016 at Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm and other times at the home in Bayview.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers memorial gifts be made to Bath Christian Church, P.O. Box 300, Bath, NC 27808 or to ALS Carolina Chapter, 1425-113 Rock Quarry Road, Raleigh, NC 27610.

Condolences may be addressed to the family online by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com.

Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington is honored to serve the Bowen family.