Gloria Elizabeth Bowden

Gloria Elizabeth Smith was born February 10, 1940 in Omaha, Nebraska. She was the oldest of five children from the union of Lawrence and LaVera Smith. She is preceded in death by her husband Erskine Bowden Jr., both her parents, 2 brothers: Lawrence Jr. and Anthony Smith and Daughter-in-law Maria Dahlia Bowden.

At an early age Gloria accepted Christ in Omaha. After relocating to Portland, Oregon she attended, Vancouver Avenue First Baptist Church, under the leadership of Dr. O.B Williams and retained her membership under the leadership of Dr. J.W. Matt Hennessee. She attended Sabin Elementary and then Girls Polytechnic High School where she received her diploma in 1958. In that same year she was introduced to Erskine Bowden Jr. by her brother Lawrence. The two fell in love and married on June 12, 1959. To this union 5 children were born: Erskine Frank III, Lynne Violetta, Eric DeWayne, Lorna Marie and Liz Renee. In 1974 her first Grandchild, LaCandra Nashele Teal, was born whom she helped raised. She started working at Providence Hospital in 1966 as a Supply Technician, where she was later promoted to supervisor. She then went on to become a Phlebotomist and retired after 35 years of dedicated work.

She was an avid bowler and was a member of many bowling leagues, winning several championship tournaments. She continued bowling until 2020. Her other hobbies included being the Team Mom/Scorekeeper for Irving Park Little League Baseball, fishing, bingo, poker, card games, sewing, plastic canvas work, traveling in her motorhome, knitting, watching her “stories” and spending time with her family. In 2020 she joined and became a dedicated member of Vancouver Avenue First Baptist Church, under the leadership of Dr. J.W. Matt Hennessee.

She will forever be remembered by her 5 children: Erskine Frank (Carol) Bowden III, Lynne Bowden, Eric Bowden (Barbara Scott), Lorna Bowden, Liz (Kevin) Jessie, all of Portland, OR, Brother LeVon Smith of Portland, OR, Sister Dierdre Smith of San Diego, CA, 15 Grandchildren, 34 Great Grandchildren, Her Aunt Christine Bailey, Dear Niece Chaunda Douglas, Brother-in-law Lonnie (Sandra) Bowden of Portland, OR, Sister-in-law Joan (Francis) Livingston of Portland, OR and a host of nieces, nephews, Great nieces and nephews, Cousins and extended
family and friends.

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