Shirley Gowen

Shirley Geraldine Gowen of Bonne Terre, Missouri, was born on April 26, 1950 in Bonne Terre to John Edward Maness Sr. and Mae Louise (Pruitt) Maness.

On December 30, 1972 Shirley was united in marriage to William Ray Gowen and they shared 49 years together. Shirley cherished her children and grandchildren. She was a loving warm soul who always seemed to try to make you feel better anytime you were around her. If you were ever in need, Shirley was always willing to lend a helping hand. Shirley and William attended the Leadbelt Pentecostal Church in Bonne Terre for many years. She loved the Lord. Shirley enjoyed all beautiful flowers. Shirley was a beautiful lady. She loved having her hair done and her make-up and jewelry on. She has left a legacy that will live on in the hearts of those she loved.

Shirley went to her Heavenly Home on Wednesday, January 26, 2022 at the age of 71 years and 9 months.

Those left behind to cherish her memory include her beloved husband, William Gowen; five children: Wanda Gowen, Steven Maness, Cherri Million (husband, Ray), Mary Gowen, and Christina Henson (husband, Eddie); step mother, Blanche Maness; three sisters: Lisa Norris (husband, John), Verna Eckhoff (husband, David), and Beverly McCosar (husband, Victor); twelve grandchildren: Erika Henson, Blake Henson, Ashley Johnson, Cellia Gowen, Mitchell Johnson (wife, Shelby), Cory Wise, Jennifer Hoffman, Trinidy Miller, Julie Cason, Cassandra Burgos (husband, Stephen), Kenny Cason (wife, Autumn), and Billy Moss; fifteen great grandchildren: Kayden Blake, Alyanna, Faithlynn Rae, Kaylie, Baylie, James, Everett, Sawyer, Wyatt, Liam, Olivia, Payton Leslie, Aliyah Grace, Alexis, and soon coming baby Tayla. Shirley is also survived by brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews.

Shirley was preceded in death by her grandfather, Roy Henan Maness; parents, John Edward Maness Sr, and Mae Louise (Pruitt) Johnson; step father, Leroy C. Johnson; two twin great grandsons, Lucas and Eli; and two brothers: John Edward Maness Jr. and William “Bunny” Maness.

Visitation will be Monday, January 31, 2022 from 5 to 8 PM at DeClue Funeral Home. Visitation will resume on Tuesday, February 1st, from 10 to 11 AM.

Funeral Services will be conducted on Tuesday, February 1, 2022 at 11 AM held in the DeClue Chapel with Pastor Bob Thurman officiating. Interment and final prayers will be at Hopewell Cemetery.

DeClue Funeral Home was honored to have served and ministered to the family of Mrs. Shirley Gowen.