Rita Helen Bowden

Rita Helen Bowden, age 87, passed away on December 14, 2024, in Raleigh, NC. Born on April 14, 1937, Rita dedicated her life to nurturing her family and serving her church community with faith and compassion. Rita graduated from Needham Broughton High School in 1955, where she was voted as the best female athlete and took part in the senior class play.

She furthered her education at The Mercy Hospital Sacred Heart College in Charlotte, earning an Associate of Applied Science degree in Nursing in1958 and becoming a Registered Nurse in 1959. Rita worked as a nurse at Rex Hospital in Raleigh before dedicating herself to being a full-time homemaker, raising her children with love and devotion.

A woman of many interests, Rita was passionate about gardening and interior design. She cherished her travels around the world and had fond memories of much time spent at the beach. Rita was dedicated to her faith, actively participating in serving the church and helping those less fortunate.

Rita was a beloved mother to Joe Mims, Jr., Jim Mims (Camille), Jeff Mims (Loucretia), and John Mims. She was a cherished grandmother to Allison, Andrea, Nick, Tom, Ashley, Halli, Tristan, and Mason, and a great-grandmother to Hayes and James. Rita's life was enriched by the close bonds she fostered among her grandchildren during cherished gatherings she organized with them at the beach and special holiday dinners.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Herbert and Juanita Bowden; her sisters, Alice Sternloff, Carol Anne Murchison, Bernadette O'Neale, and brothers James, and Charles Bowden.

A private memorial service and burial will be held in early 2025 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Newton Grove, NC, where she will be laid to rest alongside her family members. Rita's legacy of love, faith, and unique humor will forever be remembered by those who knew her.

Rita’s family extends extreme gratitude to the caregivers at Jolie’s Family Care Home in Youngsville, NC for their devoted care over the last 2 years.

Donations in her honor may be made to Dementia Alliance of NC www.dementianc.org or Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church www.ourladyofguadalupenewton-grove.org/give, 211 Irwin Dr, Newton Grove, NC 28366.

Brown-Wynne, 300 Saint Mary's Street, Raleigh, is serving the Bowden family.