Benita Jay Bowman

July 5, 1946 - July 19, 2020

Benita Jay Bowman, 74, of Bristol, TN passed away on Sunday, July 19, 2020 in the Johnson City Medical Center, Johnson City, TN. She was born in Boston, MA on July 5, 1946, a daughter of the late Benjamin Franklin Jay and Dorothy Crosby Jay. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Dorothy Julia Jay and Susan J. Binkley; her step-mother, Mary Henson Jay; and one step-sister, Carla Black. Benita had made her home in Bristol most all of her life and was of the Methodist faith. She had worked as the office administrator at Glenwood, Shelby Hills, and Mountain View Cemeteries for over thirty years. She truly loved her job! She was an avid reader and spent many hours reading novels and also enjoyed traveling on Sunshine Bus Tours. Benita was a very strong, independent, and self sufficient woman. She is survived by one son, Johnny Lee Bowman, Jr. and his wife, Colleen, of Abingdon, VA; one daughter, Benita Julia "Julie" Barr and her husband, John, of Bristol, TN; three grandchildren, Cameron Jay Barr, Riley Lauren Blackstone, and Raelin Grace Bowman; one sister, Victoria J. Henson and her husband, Jim; one brother, CSM Ret. USA Joseph C. Jay and his wife, Miriam; a brother-in-law, David Binkley; one step-sister, Marilyn Oliver; two step-brothers, Paul Henson and his wife, Debbie, and Phil Henson and his wife, Sondra; two special friends, Bobbie Vincill and Carol Taylor; and several nieces and nephews. A private committal service and interment was held at Glenwood Cemetery, Bristol, TN with Rev. Jim Henson officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to Ballad Hospice House, 280 Steele's Road, Bristol, TN 37620. Condolences for the family may be sent and viewed by visiting www.BlevinsCares.com. Ms. Bowman and her family are in the care of Blevins Funeral & Cremation Services.(276) 669-6141.