Zadie L. Bowles

Zadie L. Bowles brightened this world on November 27, 1949, blessed to be born in Norfolk, Virginia, to the late Edward and Blondena Powell.  On Sunday, September 22, 2019, her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ called her home to heaven to join her son Kevin Bowles and other loved ones to begin her eternal life. 

Zadie was educated in Norfolk, Virginia.  Everyone noticed Zadie was a very bright student.  When tested, her IQ was very much above normal.  It was in the school system where she met her Junior High School sweetheart, Leroy Bowles. Leroy and Zadie were married and blessed with two sons, Kevin (predeceased) and Kirk. 

With a young family, they relocated to Washington, DC, for better job opportunities.  Although Zadie desired to be a lawyer, she landed a job with H&R Block, and later made a career change to become the Insurance Licensing Manager with the District of Columbia, Department of Insurance Securities and Banking.  Zadie loved her new job and retired from D.C. Government on April 30, 2018 after 40 years of dedicated service.

Zadie loved the Lord Jesus!  Her early Christian life was at First Baptist Church in Norfolk, Virginia, where her mother played the organ and Zadie learned to play the piano.  In 2017 Zadie visited Faith Assembly of Christ in Capitol Heights, MD.  After hearing Bishop Way preach the word of God, she decided to be re-baptized in the name of Jesus and to make FAC her new church home.  Enduring years of severe health issues, Zadie held on to her unwaivering faith that The Lord would heal her.

Zadie was well-known for her macaroni and cheese!  Family often requested she prepare this dish and she had to bring to every family event.  Although she tried to teach nieces how to prepare it, it never tasted quite the same. Leroy and Zadie both enjoyed sports and Zadie was a true “football mom”.  As a result of Leroy’s coaching sports, Leroy and Zadie were “parents” to many boys especially those from broken homes.  At the Bowles’ home, these 50+ adopted sons always found good food, encouraging words and wholesome activities.

In addition to her loving husband Leroy and her devoted son Kirk, Zadie’s memory will be cherished and celebrated by:  two brothers: Thomas Powell (Donita); Robert Powell (deceased); one sister:  Blondena Osborne (Stanley deceased); one “daughter-in-law”, Audrey Carter; two grandchildren:  Michelle McCullough and Justin Parks; two sisters-in-law: Faye and Loretta; her loyal friend: Denise Parker; and a host of nephews, nieces, extended family and loving friends and co-workers.  Zadie was pre-deceased by her oldest son, Kevin.