Shirley Samuels Bowden

Shirley Samuels Bowden died peacefully on June 23, 2025, at the age of 92. Born on September 27, 1932, in Warrenton, Georgia, she was the only daughter of the late John Carlton and Edith Davey Samuels.

Shirley was raised in Vidalia, Georgia, and moved with her family to Atlanta in 1941. She attended E. Rivers Elementary School and graduated from North Fulton High School. She began her college studies at Shorter University and later earned a Bachelor of Arts from Agnes Scott College. After graduating, Shirley followed both her love of reading and the love of her life to Georgia Tech, where she worked in the campus library.

She was married to her beloved husband, Robert (Bob) Cecil Bowden, for 55 years until his passing in 2008. Together, they raised three daughters and built a joyful life in Atlanta before moving to Gainesville, Georgia in 1976. Throughout her life, she was a devoted and loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Shirley and Bob shared a deep appreciation for the arts. In Gainesville, they became dedicated supporters of local cultural institutions, including Brenau University, the Arts Council, and the Quinlan Visual Arts Center. In 2009, Shirley was presented with the Mary Mildred Sullivan Award by Brenau University.  The award recognizes persons with noble character and hearts of a humble servant, who place service before self interest. 

Their passion extended beyond the visual arts to travel and lifelong learning. Together, they enjoyed memorable journeys to Switzerland, Hawaii, Italy, and France — experiences that enriched their love of art, nature, and one another.

Shirley also found great joy at home. She was an avid gardener and was known for her gazpacho made with homegrown cucumbers, tomatoes, and peppers. She took special pride in hosting family gatherings, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas, where her turkey dressing, deviled eggs, and mint iced tea became beloved family traditions.

In retirement, Shirley and Bob divided their time between Gainesville and Naples, Florida, where they cherished the warm winters and deep friendships of their “snowbird” community.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Cecil Bowden, and her daughter, Susan Bowden Hurst.

She is survived by her daughters, Laura E. Bowden (Terry DeQuina) of Paradise Valley, Arizona, and Mary B. Page (Gary Page) of Atlanta, Georgia; grandchildren, Lyndsey H. Rudder (Bennett Rudder) of Savannah, Kathryn N. Hurst (Danielle Delia) of Portland, Maine, Christopher R. M. Hurst (Lorelei Jarrell) of Oak Hill, Florida, and Cory R. Page of Mexico City and Hayden M. Page of Charleston, South Carolina; and great-grandchildren, Tripp (Claude) Rudder, Maclin Rudder, and Maddox Hurst.

During her final years, Shirley faced vascular dementia with remarkable grace and a sweet smile that never left her. Her family is especially grateful for the loving care provided by Mercy Quaisie, whose presence extended Shirley’s quality of life and filled her final chapter with comfort and compassion.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at Gainesville First United Methodist Church followed by a reception at the home of Mary and Gary Page.

Flowers will be accepted or memorial gifts may be made in Shirley’s honor to Gainesville First United Methodist Church, 2780 Thompson Bridge Road Gainesville, GA 30506; The Georgia Tech Library, 393 Bobby Dodd Way NW, Atlanta, GA 30332 or the Vanderbilt Memory and Alzheimer’s Center www.vumc.org/vmac/donate .

Memorial Park Riverside Chapel, 989 Riverside Drive, Gainesville, GA 30501. 770-297-6200. For online condolences www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com  

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