Margie Lee Bowen

SHELBY- Cleveland County, NC has lost one of its brightest lights and most spirited souls. Margie Lee Bowen, aged 71, danced her way to heaven on March 25, 2025, leaving behind a trail of joy, laughter, and a touch of endearing chaos in true "hot mess" fashion.

Born and raised in the charming confines of Cleveland County, NC, Margie was a lifelong member of Ledford Grove Baptist Church until she found her later years' spiritual home at Shelby Missionary Holiness Church. Known for always running fashionably late, Margie never quite mastered the art of punctuality, but she certainly excelled at making every moment worth waiting for.

Margie was the life of every party, known for her spontaneous dance moves and infectious laughter. She adored sunny days spent lounging on the dock at the lake, perfectly content with watching others fish while enjoying the occasional boat ride. Her family was her world, especially her beloved children, adorable grandbabies, nieces, and nephews.

Her late-night phone calls were legendary, offering wisdom wrapped in humor and perhaps a little inadvertent gossip. She had a fondness for crosswords, showcasing her sharp wit and love for a good challenge. Family gatherings were her natural habitat, filled with Cheetos, Bojangles biscuits, and Krispy Kreme donuts—all essentials for Margie's gourmet tastes.

Margie is preceded in death by her cherished parents, Rev. Joe Terry Jr. and Louise Terry. Carrying on her vivacious legacy are her son, Jerry Lee Bowen; her daughter, Kelsey Maynard with husband Shawn; sister, Teri Ellison with husband Ronald; and brother, Tommy Terry with wife Pam. Margie was the proud grandmother to Emmy Bowen, Maddie Bowen, Mason Bowen, Kolton Bowen, and Hayden Maynard. Her nieces and nephews, Hillary Padgett, Heather Ellison, Stephanie Bright, Dakota Terry, Dustin Smith, and Jonny Hamrick, will continue to carry forward her energetic spirit, along with countless great-nieces and great-nephews.

Margie also leaves behind her cherished lifelong friends; her best friend Helen Patterson, Pat Duncan, Vivian Plaster, and the inimitable Ron "Noodle" Hopman. Each can attest to her loving, godly nature and the colorful energy she infused into every gathering.

A celebration of Margie’s life will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at Clay-Barnette Funeral Home. Pastors Jackie Price and David Black will officiate, and the family will receive friends an hour before the service.

Margie Lee Bowen—never on time, but always unforgettable. She will be cherished and remembered by all whose lives she touched with her kindness, humor, and unyielding love.

Aquamation services provided by Clay-Barnette Funeral Home and Aquamation Center
www.claybarnette.com