Mrs. Marguerite Bowens

Marguerite Bowens-Clark was a caring mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She left this world on Monday, August 28, 2023 after a lengthy illness at 74 years. She was born on January 11, 1949 in Walls, Mississippi to Willa Mae and Joseph Fleming. In 1955, the “Three Musketeers,” Marguerite, Lee and MaryAnn moved to St. Louis, MO with adoptive parents, Rufus and Ella Martin. They remained under their care until 1963. Upon the remarriage of their mother to Solomon McDonald they relocated to Saginaw, Michigan. Marguerite began her upper-level education at Saginaw High School. She married Leslie Bowens at the age of 16. Together, they had two children, Leslie, Jr. and Tracey Andre. Despite becoming a mother at an early age, she was determined to continue her education and attained her GED through an adult continuation program. She first entered the workforce as Assistant Manager at Noble Shoe Store. Her passion for fashion blossomed during her tenure. She was offered the position of regional manager, but refused because that would mean being away from her children. Being a good mother was what was most important to her. A career change to the medical field began as a Ward Clerk at Saginaw Osteopathic Hospital. Present since childhood her nurturing spirit surfaced. Marguerite received her certification in cardiac resuscitation and first aid allowing her to do what she liked to do best: taking care of others. She continued to provide live-in nursing care until she retired, She did not stop there. She took care of numerous family members, young and elderly and assisted her sisters with the care of their children. Those of us who knew her, knew she would remind us of her service; not for glory but to remind us to take care of one another. Multi-talented, a voice like a songbird, and the ability to perform, lead many of us to declare, “Girl, you missed your calling, you should be in Hollywood!” She would simply smile and shrug her shoulders She was very civic minded and had an avid thirst for knowledge of Black History. Surviving to cherish many memories are her son, Tracey Andre Bowens; granddaughters, Lesley Janelle and Traesia Bowens; five great-grandchildren; brothers, Amir Fleming, Larry Harris, Walter, Christopher, Joseph and Andre Fleming; sisters, Jacqueline Fleming Jimmerson, Mary Ann Blair, Mrs. Jocelyn Weaver, and Mrs. Regina Holmes; 25 nieces, 21 nephews; 34 great-nieces; 26 great-nephews; four great-great-nieces, one great-great-nephew; sisters-in-law, Gwendolyn Fleming, Debra Fleming-Pearson, Amelia Harris, Alice and Joyce Flaming; brother-in-law, Jerome Holmes and a host of cousins and special friends, Betty Caldwell, Tommy and Theresa Moore. Mrs. Marguerite Bowens-Clark was preceded in death by son, Leslie Bowens, Jr.; parents, Willa Mae McDonald and Joseph Fleming; step-father, Solomon McDonald and adoptive parents, Rufus and Ella Martin; brother, Lee A. Fleming; sisters, Sabrina Morris, Linda and Irene McDonald, Eddie M. Stith and Buena Johnson; niece, Paula Garth; nephews, Allen Johnson and Victor Garth; significant other, Peso Sanders. Thank you for your kindness during our time of personal bereavement. Your actions and condolences are deeply appreciated and will be remembered always. A special thank you to True Believers Ministry, Holgate, OH. Family hour 10:00 AM Friday, September 8, 2023, at Evans & Browne's Funeral Home, 441 North Jefferson Avenue with funeral service commencing at 11:00 AM. Interment will take place in Forest Lawn Cemetery, 3210 South Washington Avenue. Visitation from 9:00 AM until the time of service.

Mrs. Marguerite Bowens

January 11, 1949 - August 28, 2023