May 17, 2018 at Hospice of the Chesapeake after having suffered from a stroke a little over a week earlier.
Jean was born on August 4th, 1945 in San Antonio Texas to Gladys and Horace Johnson. She grew up in San Antonio and in for a time in Germany where her father was stationed during the post war reconstruction. A graduate of Robert E. Lee High School, she worked for the USAA Insurance company before meeting her future husband, Paul Bowker, on a blind date, arranged by her brother Clark Johnson. (Both Paul and her brother were stationed at the nearby Lackland Air Base). Jean and Paul married in 1966, remaining together for over 50 years. They had two children, a son Douglas Bowker, and a daughter, Denise Bowker (Zucco).
Whatever the venue Jean was known for her active and vivacious personality. She was equally ready to volunteer as a Den Mother for Cub Scouts as she was for any number of Methodist Church groups. She enjoyed many forms of crafting throughout the years as well, making and sewing many school or Halloween costumes for her children as they grew up.
Though she would claim to be a “Southern gal at heart” for all her life, Jean was an avid traveler with her husband whether to Europe, the Caribbean, or the Grand Canyon. Living just a few miles from Washington DC, she became a lifelong a fan of the Washington Redskins. When the family moved to Arnold, Maryland on the Chesapeake Bay, she added beach going and boating to her list of favorite activities. Jean was an active member of the nearby Calvary United Methodist Church, an avid tennis player, and a member of several local garden clubs. Jean helped fund-raise and organize many community social events and later was an enthusiastic supporter of the sports teams at Broadneck High School.
While in Arnold she worked for nearly a decade at the AA Community College as an executive assistant, later leaving the position in order to assume the role of business partner with her husband in floor covering contracting. During that time Jean was an active member of several local business organizations, including the Annapolis Inner Wheel (Rotary) Club, and BNI Annapolis. In recent years, after she and her husband moved to Chester, MD Jean worked in sales for a several granite counter-top companies. Her outgoing and friendly demeanor made her both successful and popular by customers and coworkers alike.
Above all she adored her three grandchildren, Andrew and Alexis Zucco, and Colin Bowker and loved being part of all of their birthdays, celebrations and achievements. Jean is survived by her Husband Paul, her two brothers Clark and Clifford Johnson, son and daughter Douglas and Denise, her sister-in-law Margaret Ellen Bowker and nephew Stephen Johnson, as well as her three grandchildren.
A service in her honor will take place at the Calvary United Methodist Church 301 Rowe Blvd., Annapolis, MD 21401, at 10 AM on Tuesday the 22nd. On Monday evening from 6-8 PM, there will also be an opportunity for visitation at the Taylor Funeral Home:147 Duke of Gloucester St, Annapolis, MD 21401
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