Lee Thomas Bowie, age 88, went home to be with the Lord on January 23, 2020.

Reflection of Lee Thomas Bowie’s Life

Lee Thomas Bowie was born on April 3, 1931, in Lowdness County, Alabama to Cora and Cleveland, Bowie.  He was one of eleven children.  As a young child his family moved to Birmingham Jefferson County, Alabama.

Lee confessed Christ as his personal Savior at an early age, and united with First Baptist Church of West Ensley, under the leadership of Reverend Richardson. He was educated in the Jefferson County School system.  A year later he moved to Cleveland and united with the New Light Baptist Church, under the leadership of Reverend V. J. Weatherbee.

On January 8, 1985, Lee Thomas pledged his love to Fannie Sturkie, and they united in holy matrimony bringing together a blended family for 35 blessed years.

Lee later united with Jeremiah Baptist Church and was ordained as a Deacon under the leadership of Reverend Brown, he was led by the holy spirit to unite with New Galilee Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend W. C. Jones, where he served as a deacon until his health failed.

He lived the Fruit of the Spirit fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” Galatians 5:22-23.

Lee became an entrepreneur, providing for his family he opened many Clark & Sunoco Gas Stations and Mini Marts, throughout the city, 110^th & St. Clair, 128^th & Kinsman, 131^st Street on Rexwood in Garfield Hts., and 75^th & Kinsman for 13 years the Ma & Pa Mini mart that was located across from Garden Valley projects. With a caring heart he allowed credit and fed the hungry. In his later years people would recognize him and bring to his remembrance the rolls of bologna, bread and milk that he would give to their families, the penny candy, nickel bag chips, moon pies and other items, a Car Wash on 143^rd Harvard, Lee even opened a Mini mart in Birmingham, Alabama and a Night Club.

In his past time, he would drive his Silver Mercedes Benz “Grey Baby” taking several trips to Alabama, especially if he thought his mother had stomped her little toe, he would hit the highway.  Lee loved to play cards and dominoes until times got better with family, friends and his best buddies: Claude, Mr. Reed, Lawrence, Cleophus, and John Sanders. John would ask him if he had a different set of cards. Ms. Fannie would roast peanuts and bake sweet potatoes for the guys. After Lee retired the Benz …and his family began to outgrow the cars, he began purchasing 15-seater vans.  The van would transport as many that could fit, traveling south and many family dinners in Akron, Ohio and Mountain Jacks, was a favorite spot for great meals.

Lee had a huge heart like his father.  He was an inspiration to his son-in-law, who became an Ordained Deacon after, watching his father-in-law pray on his knees at the church.  He loved all and every one of his family members. His motto was “You are my favorite” and you were always the favorite until the next one came along. And as you would be in conversation with him, he would say, “You know, I have you on tape” knowing he never had a tape recorder. Lee always let his light shine.

Deacon Lee Thomas Bowie was preceded in death by his parents, and two siblings: Charles Bowie Sr., and Susie Bowie Benjamin.

He leaves to cherish his precious memories; to his devoted wife and companion Fannie Sturkie Bowie, eleven children: Kenneth (Andrea) Bowie Whisenant of AL., Timothy (Gloria Ann), May of New Mexico, Alfred Sturkie, Percy Conley, Tony Whisenant, Marshal (Dozier) Blanks, of AL, Cora (Leonard) Hawkins, Janice Whisenant, Jacqueline Marshall, Tracy (James) Williams, Rebecca (Greg) Hood of Texas. Ten favorite siblings; Lawrence Bowie, Cleophus Bowie, John L. Bowie, Willie Bowie of AL, Roosevelt Bowie of California, Lillie B. Harrison, Charlene B. Taylor, Rosa B. Cannon, Annie Bowie Penn, and Angelia Bowie of AL., 28 grandchildren, 45 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren.  His best friend in the whole world George (Pinkie) Cornell and a host of relatives and friends.