Jessie Jo Bowen
June 23, 1926 – June 27, 2019
Jessie Jo Bowen, 93, of Huntingtown, MD., passed away on Thursday, June 27, 2019, at her daughter and son-in-laws home, surrounded by family. Jessie Jo was born in Tiffin, Ohio on June 23, 1926. She was the 2nd child of four children, born to Harry & Mary Elizabeth Litzenberger. She lived on a large farm with her family until the age of 13 when they moved to Washington D.C. She graduated from Central High School in 1944 and began working as a Secretary at World News Report in D.C.
In 1946, on a trip to Calvert County with a friend, she met and later married the love of her life, Arthur Bowen. They raised two children, Bonnie and Jay, while living in Huntingtown. She returned to work as a Secretary for the Draft Board in Prince Frederick and then the Federal Government. Following that job she began her political career where she served as Treasurer for Calvert County for twenty years, having been elected five times to that position and as Judge of the Orphans Court for twelve years which was also an elected position. During those years she was actively involved in many civic and charitable organizations.
She loved her family and the Lord and served her church in many capacities. She enjoyed gathering with family and friends; being active whether it was playing cards, going to McDonalds, or anything that involved being around people. There wasn’t a person she saw that wouldn’t receive a big “Hello, I’m Jessie Jo”.
Jessie Jo was preceded in death by her husband J. Arthur Bowen, son Jay Bowen, grandson-in-law Kris McCarthy, sisters Anna Mary Lonning and Martha Jane Spalding, and a brother Harold Litzenberger. She is survived by her daughter Bonnie Bowen McGuffin and husband Ritchie B. of Huntingtown, daughter-in-law Terry Bowen of Huntingtown, grandchildren John McGuffin and Joy McCarthy, both of Huntingtown, and Lauren Bowen Holt and husband Chris of Rockville, MD., and great-grandchildren Morgan and Ryan McGuffin and Cole, Carson, and Carly McCarthy.
Visitation
Monday, July 1, 2019
2:00 – 4:00 pm
&
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Services
- Funeral Service
Tuesday, July 2, 2019
11:00 am
Contributions
Condolences
Sort Comments
28 Jun 2019
4:04pm
I loved Jessie Jo. We helped with so many dinners at Trinity. She will be missed by family and friends. Our prayers are with Bonnie and the family.
Sarah Callahan
City
St Leonard
State
Md
28 Jun 2019
10:36pm
Very saddened to hear that Mrs. Jessie has passed. She was a pillar of Calvert County and considered a friend to all she ever met. Calvert Countians have lost a gem and a wonderful person. R.I.P. Mrs. Jessie.
City
Fuquay Varina
State
NC
29 Jun 2019
12:52pm
Bonnie,
I am so sorry to hrar about Aunt Jessie Jo!! She was one on a million and we always loved visiting with her at Grandmom’s over the years. There was one time that she & Uncle Arthur couldn’t go up to Grandmom’s to visit with us, so they came to the airport to visit with us before we took off.
We all love Jessie Jo, especially my Mom, Dean!!! She will be greatly missed and the family reunions will never be the same!!!
Will keep all of you in my prayers!!
Love you,
Diane
City
Port Arthur
State
TX
29 Jun 2019
1:30pm
God’s gain is Calvert County’s loss………………..
City
Prince Frederick
State
MD
30 Jun 2019
9:00am
Wonderful lady who loved people. She never failed to say hello! A life well lived, many friends, and a loving family…hallmarks of greatness! Rest in peace Jessie Jo. My sympathy to the family.
City
Saint Leonard
State
MD
30 Jun 2019
9:24am
Where to even begin to share about this woman. She was bold, bright shining, loved all. She was a leader, strong and firm, yet gentle. I loved her so. I will forever cherish the memories of the treasurer’s office as a kid and her love for our family. The thought of her reunion with Mr. Arthur and the ladies in the office warms my heart. Love and God’s peace to the family. -Dawn Keen
City
Port Republic
State
MD
30 Jun 2019
9:47am
Dear Bonnie & family,
Sorry to hear of Jessie Jo’s passing. She is a central figure of my memories of Calvert County. She made a significant contribution to the lives of the people there. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
City
Leonardtown
State
MD
30 Jun 2019
5:35pm
Jessie Jo Bowen was a strong, active and compassionate woman who cared about her community, state and country. She will be missed! Prayers, peace and blessings to her family and loved ones.
City
Owings
State
MD
30 Jun 2019
10:27pm
Aw, I loved Jesse Jo. I know she will be sorely missed. Sincere condolences to her family and friends. RIP dear lady.
City
Huntingtown
State
MD
1 Jul 2019
6:44pm
I met Jessie Jo at a United Democratic Women’s Club. I remember so many ideas and her fundraisers. One of the most success fundraiser was at her house. She was a very independent women after Husband passed. She always had an opinion about politics. We missed her when she left to live with her daughter.
My she rest in Peace.
Jessie Jo was a great leader with the United Democratic Women. She held many different positions locally and at the State level. She always had an opinion about politics. She was missed when unable to attend our meetings.
We always had fun at the fundraisers on yard sales that we held on her property.
My she rest in Peace.
City
California
State
MD
1 Jul 2019
8:00pm
Dear Bonnie and extended family,
Jessie Jo will always be remembered with her smile and friendship. I used to tease her she was my favorite person because she signed my husband’s paycheck, she always chuckled about it. She touched many lives and was a pillar for Calvert County.
God be with you all and give you comfort. God bless the life and memories of Jessie Jo.
City
Huntingtown
State
Maryland
6 Jul 2019
11:10am
I still have my nail file with Jessie Jo’s name on it. One of the most enjoyable interviews I ever did during my time with the Calvert Independent newspaper (2003-2011). She was a Calvert County treasure. Godspeed Jessie Jo.
— Joseph Norris
City
Mechanicsville
State
Maryland
Sort Comments
I loved Jessie Jo. We helped with so many dinners at Trinity. She will be missed by family and friends. Our prayers are with Bonnie and the family.
Sarah Callahan
Very saddened to hear that Mrs. Jessie has passed. She was a pillar of Calvert County and considered a friend to all she ever met. Calvert Countians have lost a gem and a wonderful person. R.I.P. Mrs. Jessie.
Bonnie,
I am so sorry to hrar about Aunt Jessie Jo!! She was one on a million and we always loved visiting with her at Grandmom’s over the years. There was one time that she & Uncle Arthur couldn’t go up to Grandmom’s to visit with us, so they came to the airport to visit with us before we took off.
We all love Jessie Jo, especially my Mom, Dean!!! She will be greatly missed and the family reunions will never be the same!!!
Will keep all of you in my prayers!!
Love you,
Diane
God’s gain is Calvert County’s loss………………..
Wonderful lady who loved people. She never failed to say hello! A life well lived, many friends, and a loving family…hallmarks of greatness! Rest in peace Jessie Jo. My sympathy to the family.
Where to even begin to share about this woman. She was bold, bright shining, loved all. She was a leader, strong and firm, yet gentle. I loved her so. I will forever cherish the memories of the treasurer’s office as a kid and her love for our family. The thought of her reunion with Mr. Arthur and the ladies in the office warms my heart. Love and God’s peace to the family. -Dawn Keen
Dear Bonnie & family,
Sorry to hear of Jessie Jo’s passing. She is a central figure of my memories of Calvert County. She made a significant contribution to the lives of the people there. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jessie Jo Bowen was a strong, active and compassionate woman who cared about her community, state and country. She will be missed! Prayers, peace and blessings to her family and loved ones.
Aw, I loved Jesse Jo. I know she will be sorely missed. Sincere condolences to her family and friends. RIP dear lady.
I met Jessie Jo at a United Democratic Women’s Club. I remember so many ideas and her fundraisers. One of the most success fundraiser was at her house. She was a very independent women after Husband passed. She always had an opinion about politics. We missed her when she left to live with her daughter.
My she rest in Peace.
Jessie Jo was a great leader with the United Democratic Women. She held many different positions locally and at the State level. She always had an opinion about politics. She was missed when unable to attend our meetings.
We always had fun at the fundraisers on yard sales that we held on her property.
My she rest in Peace.
Dear Bonnie and extended family,
Jessie Jo will always be remembered with her smile and friendship. I used to tease her she was my favorite person because she signed my husband’s paycheck, she always chuckled about it. She touched many lives and was a pillar for Calvert County.
God be with you all and give you comfort. God bless the life and memories of Jessie Jo.
I still have my nail file with Jessie Jo’s name on it. One of the most enjoyable interviews I ever did during my time with the Calvert Independent newspaper (2003-2011). She was a Calvert County treasure. Godspeed Jessie Jo.
— Joseph Norris