John T. Bowie

JOHN SHELBY BOWIE SR., son of the late Joseph and Alma Bowie was born on May 2, 1936, in Washington, DC and entered into eternal rest on November 20, 2016, at John Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MD.

John Bowie, fondly known as "Sonny" to all his family and friends, was reared primarily in North Brentwood, MD where he frequented the neighboring communities of Hyattsville, Laurel and Lakeland. He received his education through Prince George’s County Public School at Fairmount Heights High School and following served his country with the United States Air Force in 1954. In 1958, he was honorably discharged and continued his career as a Master Mason, Shop Steward and truck driver. Sonny then relocated to Baltimore to start a new life.

Sonny was a people-person and before long, he became well-known to many in Baltimore. He loved to dress (a dapper Dan), known as a ladies man, loved the Blues and an avid Orioles fan. He would soon meet and marry Alice Brown of Eastern Shore, MD., whereupon they were united in marriage Nov. 1980 until her untimely passing in 1991. Sonny was also an entrepreneur owning a pool hall/bar and a separate bar in East Baltimore in the 1980s. Later he tried his hand at trucking (owning/contracting dump trucks). Sonny was very communicable, as far as people go. He would open up his home to folks less fortunate, give them a room, feed them, or whatever their need(s). If he could help you, he would.

Sonny (John) became a member of St. Paul Community Baptist Church where he served as the Vice President of the Senior Usher Board, served in the Missions Ministry, and particularly enjoyed feeding the homeless. Sonny loved his church and church family. He was known in throughout the community as the "Un-Official Block Mayor" where he enjoyed his role of looking out for neighbors and ensuring the safety of the block.

Sonny was proceeded in death by 3 sons Joseph Bowie (Pepi), Juan Bowie, and LaMar Bowie.

Those remaining to reflect upon the precious memories of his life are: John Bowie Jr. (Marsha) of Bowie, MD, Bertha Ameila Harvell of Temple Hills, MD, Ninotchika Bowie (Nina) of Greenbelt, MD, Gary Bowie (Kia) of Charlotte, NC and Damon Bowie of Baltimore, MD; eighteen grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren; former wife, Daphne Bowie of Laurel, MD; daughter-in–law, Keisha Bowie; son-in-law, Paul Jones; three sisters in-law, two brothers-in-law and a host of cousins, God children, special friends and church family.