Mrs. Deborah Elaine Bowens

Life Reflections for Deborah Elaine Bowens Deborah Elaine Bowens, 58 transitioned on Easter Sunday, April 9, 2023, in Yemasee, South Carolina. Born in Hopewell, Virginia on May 14, 1964, she was the youngest child of Sally Louise Satterwhite Parvin and James Wilbur Mayton. Educated in the public schools of Chester, Virginia, she was a graduate of Thomas Dale High School, in the Class of 1982. From May 1988 to July 2001, Deborah was a Warehouse Manager at Haverty’s Furniture Company in Memphis Tennessee, where she coordinated deliveries between four stores in her region. It was at Haverty’s that she was mentored and learned the furniture and warehouse businesses. Having only work experience to build on, she advanced to become the Boss and Power Broker in a male-dominated work environment. In August of 2008, she moved to Williamsburg, Virginia and served as the Regional Operations Manager for Haynes Furniture Company. She was responsible for day-to-day operations of a 375,000 square ft. Distribution Facility and managed a staff of one hundred (100) Associates and ten (10) Supervisors until December of 2016. Her selfless dedication, strong work ethic and commitment to getting the job done at all costs made Deborah a “work-alcoholic”. In 2018, out of concern for her quality of life, she relocated to Hardeeville, South Carolina. Once in South Carolina she discovered new passions: cooking, baking, antiquing, researching new interests, and taking short trips with her husband to such destinations as New Orleans (favorite spot), Atlanta, Lake Oconee, St. Augustine and Camden, to name a few. She was enamored with Yard Art and decor, visiting Consignment and Antique stores to merchandise. She had an affinity for dogs and cats; an avid reader (Patricia Cornwell and James Patterson were favorites) and acquiring quilts and throws. While in Memphis, in the spring of 1998, she met Delano Bowens who would become her husband and partner for twenty-five (25) years. Delano describes Deborah as his “soulmate” and that they were uniquely paired to work as a team. Having met later in life, both experiencing previous marriages, they had a greater understanding of what it took to make a marriage work. They had a clear understanding of their priorities and a willingness to work through and resolve issues presented in their lives. Deborah was indispensable at home. She was instrumental in assisting with the Annual Bowens Memorial Day Party. She was the accountant, acquisition manager of the household, and a Godsend with the care of her mother- in-law. Deborah will be most remembered for her lovely smile, openness to people, a desire to be a friend, always willing to help if she could, family oriented, and a “Daddy’s Girl”. In summary, she could best be described as “tough as nails and soft as a marshmallow.” She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Isaac Satterwhite, Sr. and Florence Bowen Satterwhite; paternal grandparents, Bernard Mayton and Dorothy M. Mayton; uncles: Isaac Satterwhite, Jr., Charles Satterwhite, Lester J. Satterwhite; aunts: Sarah Satterwhite, Joy S. Byrd, Ruby S. Ellis. She leaves to cherish precious memories, her loving husband Delano T. Bowens of the home; her mother Sally Louise Satterwhite (Lynn) Parvin of Lamesa, Texas; her father James Mayton of Chester, Virginia and his wife Ellen of Chesapeake, Virginia; a brother Dwayne (Julie) Mayton of Davidson, North Carolina; additional siblings: Joe Jenkins of Virginia Beach, Virginia; Leigh Jenkins of Uvalde, Texas; Jody Parvin, Tracey (Jay) Hawkins both of Amarillo, Texas; Tammy (Jeremy) Olive of Lamesa, Texas; uncles: Daryl (Dawn) Mayton of Raleigh, North Carolina and Wayne (Connie) Mayton; aunts: Florence Rinker of Winchester, Virginia, Imogene (Jesse) Elder of Prince Georges County , Virginia, Virgie (Nelson) Jones of Brunswick County, Virginia, Mary Whitaker of Cartharge, North Carolina, Tiney (Ron) Curtis of Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina; special aunts Nancy Satterwhite of Richmond, Virginia and Frances Harrison of Tampa, Florida; mother-in-law Marlene Battle of Hardeeville, South Carolina; a special “sister” and best friend Holly Jeffers of Bluffton, South Carolina and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Mrs. Deborah Elaine Bowens

May 14, 1964 - April 9, 2023