Linda Dawn Bowden

Linda D. Sanders Bowden - 51

Linda Dawn Sanders Bowden passed away peaceful and went to be with the Lord on January 20, 2010 at 8:36 AM in Langdale Hospice House after a 11 year battle of cancer. She was born in Lynchburg, VA on April 4, 1958. Her parents are Rodger A. Sanders of McMinnville, TN and Dot Wiggins of Valdosta, GA.

Linda attended first grade in Hahira, Ga and then lived in Montana for several years. She returned to GA for her senior year and graduated with honors from Lowndes High School in 1976. While at Lowndes High School she was a member of the Lowndes High Swing Choir. Linda loved music and had a beautiful voice which she used for the glory of the Lord. One of her favorite songs she enjoyed singing for her friends was "The Lion Sleeps Tonight". Linda also enjoyed her hobbies of crocheting and cross stitching. She enjoyed traveling and especially liked going to the beach.

Linda's career in banking spanned over 32 years. She worked at Citizens Bank of Hahira, First State Bank of Valdosta and the last 15 years at Commercial Banking Co. Valdosta. Linda enjoyed her career and was a loyal, devoted employee and loved the people she worked with.

Linda met Robert Bobby Bowden when they were both members of the choir at Morningside Baptist Church. After being friends for about 2 years, they were married on May 15, 2004. They have both been faithful members of Morningside for many years. Linda and Bobby both were avid fans of the Lowndes High football team as well as the VSU Blazer teams.

Linda is survived by her husband Robert Bobby Bowden; her parents Dorothy Kelley Wiggins of Valdosta and Rodger A. Martha Sanders of McMinnville, TN; two children, April Brian Gant of Hahira; Robert Sumner, Jr. of Hahira and one grandson Jacob Gant; two brothers, Gregory A. Cheryl Sanders of Peoria, AZ and Leland Scot Hutto of Barney, GA; and one sister, Lydia H. Darrell Register of Hahira; also, nieces and nephews Michael Sanders, Katy Sanders, Wade Register, Brianne Register, Brittney Register and Travis Hutto.

Survivors also include her husband's children; Micki Lynn George Bogart of Dothan, AL and their children Jason Newman Jennifer of Dothan AL, Jenifer Newman Miller Joe of Fayetteville, NC, Jared Newman of Charleston, SC; Tony Gogi Bowden and their children Chaz, Seth, Caleb, and Kaylin of Valdosta and Robert D. Bowden of Lakeland, TN. 2 Brother and Sister in laws Felton and Shirley Bowden, Jacksonville, FL , David and Elizabeth Bowden, Kennesaw, GA, Sister and Brother-in-Law Betty & Henry Berry, Sister Jackie Hensley, Valdosta, GA, Nephew Mark Hensley, Panama City, Fl, Randy & Jean Bowden of Valdosta, and Numerous Nephews and nieces. And Her Favorite adopted cat from the Humane Society; Mona.


Linda also leaves behind her step father, Leland D. Hutto of Valdosta and the father of her two children, Robert Sumner, Sr. of Alabama and many special friends including Margie Spearman Blanton of Valdosta and Debbie Hernandez of Valdosta, as well as the ladies in her Sunday School class and co-workers at the bank. All those who knew and loved Linda, witnessed her life-long testimony of serving God, caring for others and her unconditional love for her family.

Preceded in death by grandparents; JLynn and Ada Kelley of Valdosta; William P. and Viola Sanders of Virginia and R.L. and Irene Hutto of Hahira

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, January 23, 2010 in Morningside Baptist Church Worship Center with Dr. Carrol Joye and Pastor Wayne Robertson officiating. Mrs. Bowden will be placed in the church one hour prior to servces. Burial will follow in Riverview Memorial Gardens. Flowers will be accepted or donations can be made to Langdale Hospice, 2263 Pineview Drive, Valdosta, GA. 31602, Morningside Baptist Church, 2604 Bemiss Road, Valdosta, GA. 31602 or the Cancer Society, 333 Pine Avenue, Albany, GA. 31701

Music Funeral Services of Valdosta is serving the Bowden family.