Carmen Renee' Bowman was born in Washington D.C. on June 12th, 1960, to Joseph E. Bowman Sr. and Rosetta J. Dorsey Bowman. Raised in the close-knit community of Pisgah, Maryland, where she spent most of her childhood, Carmen was the second oldest of 10 siblings. The Bowman family was rooted in Christ, love, service to the community, and nurturing one another. Carmen began her relationship with Jesus Christ by accepting Him as her Lord & Savior on November 21st, 1971. She would carry this decision in her heart as she continued her journey through life.

After graduating from Henry Lackey High School in 1979, Carmen relocated to Prince George's County, Maryland and began working in the federal civil service as a Clerical Secretary at the Department of Defense. After giving birth to her son, Antoine, she decided to leave her career in the federal civil service to dedicate her time to raising her one and only child. Tony, or "Tone" as she affectionately referred to him, was her pride and joy.

As an avid reader, Carmen read many books of various genres. She loved to acquire knowledge and developed strong skills in crafting. She excelled in areas such as knitting/crocheting, bracelet making, and bedazzling clothing/shoes. She became an excellent cook as she constantly studied and critiqued food recipes, altering them to perfection. Above all else, Carmen found peace and enjoyment in nurturing her plants and flowers. She was known for her green thumb, which developed earlier in life on the farm in Pisgah.

She enjoyed watching her favorite television shows. Some of her favorites included I Love Lucy, The Andy Griffith Show, and Good Times. She loved listening to jazz, gospel, and rhythm & blues music. Some of her favorite artists were Diana Ross and Whitney Houston.

Carmen was a gentle, kind-hearted, and beautiful person, who was passionate about nurturing her nieces and nephews. "Aunt Carmey", as they called her, was easy-going, yet strong, direct, and approached every situation with deep concern and love. This nurturing spirit ultimately led her to become a family-based daycare provider in Suitland, Maryland. "Ms. Carmen" cared for many children and some of their children in her 30+ years in childcare. She was selfless and cared deeply about being of service to those in their time of need. No matter the circumstance, even if she may have been down to her last, Ms. Carmen had a heart of pure Gold!

Carmen claimed her eternal rest, transitioning to the Kingdom of God, at 7:50 pm on Thursday, April 10th, 2025, in Largo, Maryland, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was preceded in death by Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Bowman and Blanche Dorsey (Grandparents), Joseph Bowman Sr. (Father), Rosetta J. Dorsey-Bowman (Mother), Lavonne Smith (Sister), Gregory Bowman (Brother), and Shemia Bowman-Wright (Niece).

Carmen leaves behind to cherish her memories, Antoine Kelley (Son), Alicia Kelley (Daughter-in-law), Jayla and Danaye Kelley (Granddaughters), Siblings Joseph Bowman Jr. (Joann), Almalita Robertson (Luther), Zachary Bowman Sr. (Latonya), Andrea Brown (Richard), Jonathan Bowman (Pamela), Roxanne Bowman (Edmond), and Marc Bowman (Diana); Aunts M. Elizabeth Butler, Jean Stuckey, Annette Bowman; Godmother Veronica Milstead; God-Children Adrian Robertson Sr., Ananya Robertson, Jonet Bowman, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, and friends.

Her viewing will be held from 9:00am until time of Celebration of Life 11:00am, on Friday, April 25th, First Baptist Church of St. Charles, 136 Stoddert Avenue, Waldorf, Maryland 20602.  Interment Smith Chapel Church Cemetery, Pisgah, Maryland.

Arrangements entrusted to Thornton Funeral Home, P.A., 3439 Livingston Road, Indian Head, Maryland 20640.