Patricia E. Bowen

Patricia Ellen Burgess Bowen died at home January 22, 2021. Born May 29, 1954, to William McKinley Burgess and Ella Mae Maxwell Burgess in Madison Heights, Michigan. After graduating from Madison High School in 1972, marrying and moving a couple times for the U.S. Army, she and her husband settled in Cookeville. Together, they raised a family and built successful businesses. She volunteered tirelessly for Park View Elementary while her children attended and was a long-time supporter of public education. Trish also worked as a mail carrier for the U.S. Postal Service. She spent countless hours either driving to or sitting at her children’s activities whether it was violin lessons or recitals or scout meetings or softball games. She also tolerated the parade of animals — birds, dogs, cats, goats, a pot-bellied pig, fish, a pony, turtles, a newt, hamsters — that her family dragged home. Her favorite food was mashed potatoes, any time of the day. But none of that instant-boxed business. Trish enjoyed reading, listening to music, crafting, spending time with her friends and family, and loved a quest for antiques. Trish was always up for a good laugh, a great story, or better yet, a jaunt that had both. She wore so many hats over her life — daughter, sister, wife, mother — but perhaps her most cherished was the role of Gigi. Her grandchildren Sadie Monroe, Ruth McKenzie, and Thomas Maxwell provided her immeasurable joy, and she would stop anyone who would listen — and some who wouldn’t — to talk about them. All these seemingly little things added up to a life, and she will be missed terribly by many. Trish is survived by her children, Tara Bowen Felder (David) and Clinton Ammon Bowen IV; three grandchildren; brother, Ronald McKinley Burgess (Theresa); and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, and her sister, Phyllis Burgess Payne (Jack). There was a private graveside service Saturday with a celebration of life to be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asked donations be made to the Howard Cemetery of Putnam County. Howard Cemetery c/o Susan Lafever 980 Taft Church Road Sparta, TN 38583 Dyer Chapel of Hooper-Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements (931)526-7158. Share your thoughts and condolences at www.dyerfh.com