Our beloved one, Linda Carol Bowen Crawford of Jacksonville, FL passed from this earthly life into our Lord’s house July 2, 2026.

Born January 4, 1949, in Cordele, Georgia to parents, Sherman and Dorothy Smith Bowen. She was the eldest sister to Jannette Wiggin (Sam), Annette Morris (Don), Sharon O’Daniel (Larry), Michael Earl Gardner, Sherman Bowen Jr and Alfred Bowen.

Her leaving was preceded by many loved ones, most notably her daughter Dorothy Lenore Stephens in 1979 at the tender age of 11. Her daughter’s death became a turning point, leading to a closer walk with our Lord. Though she struggled through significant challenges the world presented, her dignity, grace and perseverance became a hallmark to those who knew her.

No matter how fraught, she never wavered in her faith. Her belief in God’s plan for her was the cornerstone of her life, bearing her through the loss of her beloved Mack Crawford in 2010.

She leaves behind a son, Ronnie Sheppard (Erin) and three daughters, Rhonda Murphy (Michael), Frances Simoneau and Stephanie Bruton (Jason). Two sisters Annette Morris and Sharon O’Daniel, two brothers Michael Gardner and Alfred Bowen and beloved brother-in-law Samuel Wiggin. Her grandchildren in birth order and as begat are Matthew Murphy (Rachel), great-grandson Ryan Murphy and Dennis J Crews II (Lexi) great-grandchildren Dennis III, Mila, Nova and Cali. Ashley Barr (Matthew), great-grandchildren Tyler and Emily, grandson Christopher Stephens, great grandson Dominic, grandchildren Anthony Crews, Kacy Crews, Zachary Cornell, great-grandchildren Serena, Oliver and Charlie Cornell, grandchildren Joshua Bruton, Kristen Bruton and Lily Sheppard.

It is with joy we think of her glad homecoming with mother, Dorothy sister, Jannette, father, Sherman, brother, Sherman Jr.

May we rejoice that once again she holds her little girl Lenore cradled in loving embrace for all eternity, and that they all now dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Memorial to be held at 11am on Saturday July 11, 2026, at Central Church of the Nazarene. A reception to follow at the fellowship hall behind.