"Jean and I were majorettes in the EHS Band. A few years later we carpooled to teach at Holt High School in Tuscaloosa. One of my favorite memories of Jean occurred one morning when she stopped for a traffic light, looked down, and said, Oh _____, I have on different shoes! Indeed, on each foot was a totally different shoe. Although we didnt stay in touch, we occasionally crossed paths for which I am grateful. We both became librarians and shared a love for books and literature. Jean was truly one of a kind, and she will be missed."
In loving memory of
Jean Grimes Bowline
March 2, 1945 - July 4, 2019
Jean Grimes Hollis Bowline
March 2, 1945 July 4, 2019
In her own words
Having had ample time to consider my mortality, I decided to write what are, indeed, my final words! On a cold, blustery March 2, 1945, I was born in Detroit, Michigan, where my Dad was doing his medical residency. Alas, Mama wanted an audience for her new beautiful baby so they moved back to Enterprise, Alabama, when I was two. There I grew up, the oldest of five in a loving and frequently chaotic home!
I attended the University of Alabama and was scholarship chairman for Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority. Over the years, I acquired two graduate degrees there and began a 26-year teaching career in English and my first love, Library/Media Services. My last 22 years were at Northview High School in Dothan as a Media Specialist--a job I loved. There I served as Key Club sponsor and treasurer of the NHS band.
I raised my girls in Dothan, where we three Hollis Girls grew up along with sister Ann Thompsons family, and best friend, Sharon Church. While in Dothan, I was very active in the Southeast Alabama Community Theatre (SEACT), writing many programs, working on props and producing a few shows. I had a wonderful time working with my good friend Larry Williams in his catering business and was also active in the First United Methodist Church.
In 1998, my life totally changed: I married kind, loving, and patient Bailey Bowline and moved to Cumming, Georgia. There I served on the board of Trustees for the Forsyth County Public Library; volunteered with Meals on Wheels; was a member of the Sawnee Womans Club; and enjoyed gardening, traveling, reading, and meeting friends for happy hour!
At the Pearly Gates, Ill be greeting my parents, Dr. James and Eleanor Grimes; my sister, Ann Grimes Thompson; my niece, Catherine Grimes Hornsby; and my dear brother-in-law, Ty Pasley. Ill also be watching over my husband, Bailey, and my precious girls, Allison Hollis Lewis and Kelly Hollis Nash and grandchildren Jackson, Cole, and Hayden Nash; my siblings Sally Pasley, Dr. Jim Grimes (Debbie), Lucy Butler (Cy), and brother-in-law Bill Thompson; and MANY well-loved nieces and nephews. Ive also been blessed with a second family, Bailey Bowline, Jr. (Dayna) and grandsons Ryder and Gray; and Laura Bowline Johnson and her children, Francie, Charlotte, Bailey and Grace. I have had a full and wonderful life and look forward to greeting you again when your journey ends. Until then, Do not go gentle into that good night! Love, Jean
A memorial service will be held Friday, July 19 at the First United Methodist Church in Dothan, AL. Visitation will be from 1-2pm in the Parlor. The service will be in the Sanctuary at 2pm. A memorial for her in Cumming, GA will be held from 2-4 pm at home of Dayna and Bailey Bowline Jr. on Sunday, July 21.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Southeast Alabama Community Theatre, First United Methodist Church, or Planned Parenthood.
Ingram Funeral Home Crematory, 210 Ingram Ave, Cumming, GA 30040 is in charge of arrangements.
Tributes
"Jean always had a smile during her days at Enterprise High School.She and her entire family(esp.Dr. Grimes ) were very popular .and outstanding citizens.They all will be missed!"
"My old dear friend Jean. What a treasure to all who knew her. Rarely visited with her but each time we met there was that gracious hug and wonderful smile. A wonderful soul with an abundance of class. I regret not reaching out to her when I had the opportunity. Wish I could hug her today. Thanks for the memories Jean!"
"Jean represented what was the best of the Enterprise High School Class of 1963 - she was smart, talented, beautiful, and was a good friend to everyone! Her curiosity knew no bounds and at all of our many class reunions she would ask me numerous good questions about my role in drug testing and development. Jean cared about others and always seemed to look for the good in everyone. She was a totally real person and I will miss her smile and sense of humor."
"Ms. Jean,I just love you. Thank you for making my day every time you came into our office. You always announced yourself as mean Jean Bowline, but nothing could be further from the truth. I am looking so forward to the next time we meet. Big hugs."
"Jean Bowline, Family & Friends.Comfort for your sorrow, Courage for each new day, Strength to face this journey, his Word to light your way, his Grace to fill your heart with Peace to understand. His Love to hold you gently in the hollow of His Hand.Our deepest sympathy. Marie Bowline and family."
"Please know that all of you are in my thoughts and prayers. Jean was such a pleasure to be with and her obituary is so sweet and from her heart."
"Ms. Jean Bowline,I will miss you dearly! You were one of my favorite patients! Such a blessing to meet you. Thank you for always bringing us chocolate and always making us laugh when we needed it!!! Chala and I finally ate ours last Wednesday! Please say hello to my daddy, Papaw & Mamaw for me! You will be dearly missed! Love ya, Jenn Massey"
"Our deepest sympathies and condolences to the family.Craig and Brett Hastings and family"
"Jean was such a kind woman. Her work with the library board was always so thoughtful and she was a great patron too! She will be missed. My heart goes out to her family. I know you will have wonderful memories to help you through this time and we at the Cumming library are thankful she passed through our doors."