Mother Leona Bowman

Mrs. Leona Jackson Bowman, a beloved matriarch, caregiver, and woman of unwavering faith, peacefully transitioned from this life on April 10, 2026, at the remarkable age of 101. She was born on July 2, 1924, in Newark, New Jersey, and later relocated to Lithonia, Georgia, where she resided until her passing. She transitioned home, surrounded by the love and presence of her family. Leona’s life was one of resilience and strength. She was preceded in death by her loving mother, Gussie Mae Jackson, and her father, William D. Jackson. At the tender age of four, Leona experienced the loss of her mother—a moment that shaped her strength and character for the rest of her life. She and her siblings, Daisy Jackson, Mary Jackson, and Alpatason “Buddy” Jackson, who all preceded her in death, were lovingly raised by their father and stepmother. Leona attended school in the Newark school system, where she enjoyed running track, playing basketball, and gymnastics. She also loved singing in the church choir. She was known for her fabulous fashion sense and was always dressed to impress. Leona found joy in working puzzles, reading her Bible, shopping, and faithfully attending church events. Above all, she cherished spending time with her family and friends. Leona loved telling stories about her childhood and upbringing. She had a gift for motivating others and always spoke with honesty and truth. She often shared powerful memories of living through the Great Depression and witnessing the Civil Rights Movement, reflecting on the hardships of those times while also expressing how those experiences shaped strength, perseverance, and appreciation for life. She happily married the love of her life, Joe “Boone” Bowman, and together they welcomed four of her eight children into the world. They lived in loving matrimony until his passing in 2012. Together, they owned several family businesses and instilled discipline, independence, and respect in their children and everyone they encountered. Leona was a fighter in every sense of the world. She was diagnosed with cancer in her late 70s and faced it with courage, strength, and unwavering faith. She fought a tough battle, never giving in, and emerged as a proud survivor. Her strength and determination were a testament to the resilience she carried throughout her life. Despite life’s many challenges, Leona remained a woman of grace, compassion, and unwavering faith. While she was a genuine sweetheart, she was also known for her feisty attitude—her fist always balled up and ready for whatever came her way, a true reflection of her strength, boldness, and determination. She taught herself how to survive and instilled that same strength, independence, and perseverance in each of her children and grandchildren. Leona was known for her favorite saying, “Just keep on living,” and that is exactly how she lived her life. She approached each day as if it were her last, always giving praise and thanks to God. She loved to break out in song, especially her favorite, “I Don’t Feel No Ways Tired,” which she sang often as a testimony of her strength and faith. She lived by the words, “If you don’t use it, you lose it,” staying active and independent throughout her life. Her resilience carried her to the beautiful age of 101. She often reminded her family, “I’m still here, I made it, and I don’t look like what I’ve been through,” encouraging them to trust in God and believe that they can do all things through Christ. She was the proud mother of eight beautiful children: Carol Deans of Riverdale, Georgia; Michael Laurel of Wilmington, Delaware; Wahid Shakoor of Lithonia, Georgia; Yusuf Shakoor of Atlanta, Georgia; Sultan Shakoor of Lithonia, Georgia; and Cheryle Bowman of Conyers, Georgia. She was also preceded in death by her two sons, Reginald “Reggie” Laurel and Naim Shakoor. Leona leaves to cherish her memory of 36 grandchildren, 54 great-grandchildren, and 26 great-great-grandchildren, along with a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family. She also leaves behind her special friend Judy, along with dear loved ones Linda Liango, Medina Kerton, and her niece Barbara Merritt, and many devoted friends who will forever treasure her memory. A woman of deep and abiding faith, Leona was a dedicated and faithful member of Fairfield Baptist Church in Lithonia, Georgia, where she actively served for over 50 years. She was truly a mother of the church, offering guidance, love, and spiritual support to many throughout her lifetime. Her home was a place of warmth, love, and cherished memories—a safe haven where family gathered, and bonds were strengthened. She lived as an example of perseverance, faith, and unconditional love. Though she will be deeply missed, we find comfort in knowing that her beautiful soul is at peace, reunited with her beloved husband and all loved ones who preceded her in death. She will forever live in the hearts and memories of all who knew and loved her. “Well done, good and faithful servant…enter into the joy of your Lord.” – Matthew 25:23 Services entrusted to Gregory B. Levett & Sons Funeral Home, 4347 Flat Shoals Parkway, Decatur, Georgia 30034.

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Mother Leona Bowman

July 2, 1924 - April 10, 2026