Helen Maxine Bowden

Helen Maxine Bowden, age 95 of Fairborn, passed to her new life in heaven on Sunday, October 6, 2024. She was born July 3, 1929 in Broward County, Florida the daughter of Arthur and Lillie Nielson. In 1947, she married Al Bowden and they had three sons, Richard, Terry and Robert.

Helen's husband was a minister with the Church of the Nazarene for nearly 40 years, serving churches in Florida and traveling as an evangelist for seven years in multiple states. Although a stay at home mom through the years, Helen was a crucial part of Al's ministry; in his words, "She put legs to my ministry".

Helen is preceded in death by her parents, Arthur Nielson and Lillie Nielson; husband, Al Bowden and brother, Raymond A. Nielson. She is survived by her sons Richard Bowden (Carolyn), Terry Bowden (Lisa) and Robert Bowden along with grandchildren David Bowden (Penny), Jeremy Bowden (Julie), Sarah Ruhe (Jacob), Rachel Good (Tanner), Nicolas Bowden (Adriana), Bethany Bowden, Bobby Bowden (Teresa) and thirteen great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Nazarene Compassionate Ministries at P.O. Box 843116, Kansas City, MO 64184 in Helen's honor.

A Private Memorial will be held for the family and she will be laid to rest at Byron Cemetery.

Have I not commanded thee? be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee withersoever thou goest. 

Joshua 1:9