Marilyn Joan Bowman

Marilyn Joan (Cross) Bowman, known to many as GG, age 88 died October 15th at Glen Oaks Health Campus surrounded by her daughters. She was born November 3, 1935 in New Castle to Lucille (Favorite) Cross and Aubrey Cross. She was a graduate of New Castle High School. Marilyn was a lifelong resident of New Castle, and she was proud to call New Castle home.

Marilyn was the owner of Marilyn’s Flowers and Gifts for 31 years retiring at the age of 80. Because of her love for the community, she was involved in many ways. She served on the NC School Board for 20 years. Marilyn was an active member of the United Methodist Church and served on many committees. Marilyn volunteered for over 1100 hours at the Basketball Hall of Fame and was volunteer of the year in 2019. She was a founding member of the Trojan Booster Club and served as president from 1979-1981. Marilyn was Chairman of Senior Nite Club Party and the Memorial Day Parade for many years. After retiring from the flower shop, she volunteered at Tri Elementary listening to children read. She was a fierce fan of Trojan sports and activities, and you would often see her in the stands wearing green and white, except for Sunday when she changed to blue to support the Colts. She had many interests but her very favorite activity was spending time with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. 

Marilyn is survived by four daughters: Jenny (Dennis) Kinser of Boulder CO, Penny (Kelly) Bowman of New Castle, Mona (David) Genrich of Grand Rapids MI, Wende (Jerry) DeFord of Lenoir City TN. Her grandchildren are Stephanie (Kevin) Ness, Chris (Katie) Kinser, Matt (Bekah) Hermenet, Joe Hermenet, Jennifer (Robb) Benson, and Sam (Stephanie) DeFord. Marilyn also has 11 great children. She has one surviving brother Wilber (Sue) Cross and many loved nieces and nephews. She was proceeded in death by her parents, and siblings Jim Rhodus, Margaret Jent, Dean Cross, Leroy Cross and Linda Lou Guffey.

In Marilyn’s life she won many awards. She was named Citizen of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce in 1996. Marilyn was the Raintree County Service award winner from the Henry County Convention and Visitors Bureau 1993-1998. She was Woman of the Year 1990 from the Women’s Division of the Chamber of Commerce serving as Grand Marshall of the Memorial Day Parade in 1995. Marilyn won Friend of Education Award from Alpha Delta Kappa and the Governor’s Volunteer Action Service Award in 1993. She also won the Colts 2011 Community Quarterback Award in 2011 and was given the Key to the City of New Castle on her 80th Birthday by Mayor Greg York.

Our family would like to thank all the staff of Glen Oaks, Beth Bennett, dear friends Brenda Jessee, Warren and Bonnie Catron for the love and care they gave Marilyn until the end.

Visitation will be held Monday, October 21 at Hinsey Brown Funeral Service from 4:00pm-8:00pm with family visitation beginning at 3:00pm. In honor of Marilyn’s love for the Trojans and Colts, please feel free to wear team apparel to her calling. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, October 22 at 11:00 am at First United Methodist Church of New Castle followed by burial at South Mound Cemetery . Pastor Michelle White will be officiating with a special message offered by Rev. Dennis Kinser. Any donations can be sent to the First United Methodist Church of New Castle or the New Castle Humane Society. Condolences and memories of Marilyn may be shared at www.hinsey-brown.com.