Lena Bowe

Lena's Journey ....


Lena Vandeal Giddins Bowe, affectionately known also as "Van", was born on March 28, 1940. She was born to the late Susie Onley Giddins and Israel Giddins Sr. in Jamesville, VA. Lena, transitioned, suddenly on Friday, December 17, 2021, at her home, in Ellendale, DE, she was 81.

Lena was the youngest of three children. She was blessed with two children, a son "Ellery" and a daughter "Ovon" (Deceased)". Lena was educated through the Virginia Public School System.

As a young girl, Lena was raised in a Christian household and was instilled with the biblical principles and teachings that guided her throughout her life. She joined her mother's church, Dickerson Chapel AME Church in Millsboro, DE. She had taken advantage of her God-given gifts and served at Dickerson Chapel AME Church, faithfully, as the Sunday school teacher, Stewart of the Church, Trustee, Superintendent of the Sunday school, Secretary of the Cemetery Board, President of the Junior Usher Board, and also sang in the Young Adult Choir for many years.

In 1997 she found love and married Theodis R. Bowe, Jr., at Union Baptist Church, in Lincoln, DE, where he was a faithful member. Both growing in their faith, Lena also joined Union Baptist Church, no children were born from this union. Growing in her Christian fellowship, Lena founded the Women's Ministry at Union Baptist Church where she also served faithfully.

She was a very, very faithful member whenever she served in a Christian Ministry and church worker "no one to sit around in church". She enjoyed teaching, working with the young people and loved tinkering and growing flowers. Lena retired from the M&T Bank, (Formerly Omni Bank), Millsboro, DE., serving over 20 years as a Consumer Loan Title customer service representative. Lena was a devoted wife of 24 years to Theodis R. Bowe Jr. A devoted mother, grandmother, great grandmother & great-great grandmother. Lena played a role as a mother to two of her stepsons Antonio and Michael Bowe, after the transitioning of their mother.

Lena leaves to mourn her passing her loving husband, Theodis R. Bowe, Jr., one son Ellery Giddins Millsboro, DE; one son in law Aubrey D. Jernigan Sr. Dover, DE; three granddaughters Aubra D. Jernigan, Eltrese Q. Hopkins; two grandsons Aubrey D. Jernigan II, Antonin A. Hopkins; 3 great grandchildren Autumn, Arion & Aja Hopkins; and (1) great-great grandchild; five stepchildren, Theodis Bowe III, (Renee), Lincoln, DE; Sara L. Bowe, Gonzales, CA Kevin Bowe, Milford, DE; Keith Paddy (CaSandra) Chicago, IL; Antonio Bowe Milford, DE; Michael Bowe Milford, DE; two step-granddaughters Ra'jean, Nia and Malean; three step-grandsons Brandon, Theodis, IV, Jordan and Dylan; one step great, great granddaughter; six brother in laws, Joseph Bowe (Donna), Bowie, MD; Everett Bowe (Paulette), Dover, DE; Larry Bowe (Felicia) Lincoln, DE; Lynnwood Bowe (Janet) Felton, DE; Louellis Bowe Dover, DE; and Jacques Bowe (Brenda) Millsboro, DE; and one sister in law Joan Haynesworth, Waldorf, MD. Lena leaves a host of nieces, nephews, great nephews, great nieces, step nephews, step nieces, family and friends.

Both of her parents, daughter Ovon, two brothers, William and Israel Giddins, two sister-in-laws Clara Mae Giddins and Elva Giddins, all preceded her in death.