Oscar Bowden

Bro. Oscar Bowden departed this life Thursday, February 6, 2020 in Massachusetts. Bro. Oscar Bowden was the husband of Catherine Bowden and the father of Ciera Bowden, Jeff Bowden, Dexter Marzette and Raphael Shamsidden and the brother-in-law to Denise Curry and Mary Woodberry.

The family will receive visitors beginning Friday, February 14 at 6313 London Willis Ct., Gresham, SC.

The funeral service for Bro. Oscar Bowden is scheduled to be held at Bethel AME Church on Sunday, February 16, 2020 at 2pm. Burial will take place at Old Neck Cemetery.

~ Obituary ~

“You were put on this earth to achieve your greatest self, to live out your purpose and to do it courageously. My purpose was served.” 

Oscar Lee Bowden was born to the late Lillie Mae Bowden and Granville Cox, in Kinston, North Carolina on April 19, 1943. He spent most of his childhood in North Carolina and moved to Fort Worth Texas in 1958. He attended the first black high school, I.M. Terrell High School, in Forth Worth TX from 1958-1962. While living in Texas, he became a father to Dexter Marzette and Raphael Marzette (Shamsideen). He moved to Boston, MA where he started working at Newton Wellesley Hospital with one of his best friends Benjamin Jefferson, while working part-time at The Wallace and Lawson Oil companies. While in Boston, MA, he fell in love and married Catherine Graves in 1969. They became parents to Jeff Bowden in 1973 and to Ciera Bowden in 1991. In 1979, he began his MBTA career and retired in 2006.

Oscar was a loving, caring and funny husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother and friend. His story telling nature allowed him to share his wisdom and experiences with his family and friends, whether it brought about laughter or provided support in their time of need. Oscar loved to laugh and tell jokes. His humor lightened any room he entered or event he attended. His positivity and love for helping others made an impact on many and gave hope to anyone who needed it. Oscar loved to drive and travel across the U.S. His love for traveling enabled him to easily spend time with family no matter where they were located. Oscar was a huge sports fan. His love for the Dallas Cowboys and the Los Angeles Lakers was quite evident to all. Oscar was loved by many and will be missed but always remembered in the hearts of those who knew him.

Precious memories will be cherished by his lovely wife of 50 years: Catherine Bowden of Boston, MA, his children: Jeff Bowden of North Dartmouth, MA, Ciera Bowden of Charlotte, NC, Dexter Marzette of Grand Rapids, MI and Rapheal Marzette (Shamsideen) of Grand Rapids, MI, his brother Leroy Burt Jr. (Paula) of Fort Worth, TX, his grandchildren: Lache Augur, Goddess Gregg, Jade Prioleau. Marquis Shamsideen, Marquinn Shamsideen, Dexter Marzette Jr., Daja Marzette, Evan Pina Jr. and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, special loved ones and friends.

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