Ms. Cherry Sue Bowen, age 88, of the Hulaco community of Joppa, Alabama, passed away in the early morning hours of Saturday, June 20, 2026, at UAB Hospital in Birmingham, Alabama. Born February 16, 1938, in Marshall County, Alabama, Cherry was the daughter of Samuel Carl Charles and Vivian Saphronia Camp Charles. She was a graduate of Ryan High School and continued her education with some college coursework. Cherry was of the Baptist faith, a member of Mt. Hermon Baptist Church, and retired as a valued secretary from State Crippled Children’s Services.
Cherry will be remembered for her kind spirit, devotion to her family, and the joy she found in simple pleasures. Among her interests and hobbies, she enjoyed cooking and sewing.
Cherry leaves behind a loving family, including her son and daughter-in-law, Harry and Gina Bowen; grandchildren, Wesley D. Bowen and his wife, Daphne, and Taylor S. Bowen; great-grandchild, Madelyn Claire Bowen.
Cherry was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Vivian Charles; her husband, J.W. “Willie” Bowen; her sister, Johnnie Thomas; and brothers, Dewayne Charles and James Charles.
Services for Cherry will be Wednesday, June 24, 2026 at Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel. Family, friends and guests will gather for visitation at 9:00am with the funeral service immediately following at 11:00am. Brother Tim McCormick will officiate. Serving as pallbearers are Wesley Bowen, Taylor Bowen, Alan Charles, David Latham, Levi Ray and Eli Ray. Interment will be in the Mt. Hermon Cemetery. Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel is honored to assist the family with arrangements.
