Bernice York Bowen

Mrs. Bernice York Bowen, age 85, of East McCarty Street, Sandersville, passed away on Sunday, September 28, 2025, at Washington County ECF following an extended illness. A funeral service to celebrate her life will be held on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. in the May and Smith Funeral home chapel. Reverend Bobby Williford will officiate, and a private burial will follow in New Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery.

Mrs. Bowen was born in Wadley, the daughter of the late Hershel York and Sarah Della Erbie York. In her younger years, she worked for Holmes Canning Company but spent most of her life as a homemaker. Mrs. Bowen enjoyed growing and canning tomatoes and cutting her grass. She was a member of Kendall Heights Church of God. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her daughter, Tonya Bowen, and son Bobby Dean Bowen.

Mrs. Bowen is survived by her husband of 64 years, Gerald Bowen; brothers, Johnny York (Margaret) of Wadley, and Leonard York of Albuquerque, N.M.; and special caretakers Bobby and Sheryl Williford.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mrs. Bowen’s memory to Kendall Heights Church of God, 829 Jordan Mill Road, Sandersville, GA 31082

Condolences may be made online at mayandsmithfuneraldirectors.com

May and Smith Funeral Directors is in charge of these arrangements.