Jerry D Bowlin

June 23, 1937 - October 5, 2021

Jerry Dewan Bowlin was born on June 23, 1937 in Fort Gibson, Oklahoma to Nancy and Owen Johnson. Jerry went to be with the Lord on October 5th, 2021. Jerry grew up in Fort Gibson raised by her mother and grandmother Mary. They didn’t have much, but she was a very happy child. As a teenager, playing hopscotch in the driveway, Jerry met her soon to be husband Clarence Bowlin. One of Jerry’s fond memories of dating Clarence brought her back to the time when Fort Gibson Dam was being constructed. They sat on the concrete structures gazing into the sunset across what was soon to be Fort Gibson Lake. At 16 years old Jerry and Clarence were married and at 17 she had their first-born child Janetta. Jerry and Clarence moved to a farm in the Norwood area of Hulbert, OK where together they raised a girl and four boys. They lived on a shoestring budget, but Jerry always made sure her children were well taken care of and happy. The family grew quickly adding grandkids, great-grandkids, and countless Sunday dinners. She loved to cook and bring the family together. Jerry was a very determined lady. When she set her mind to do something, nothing could get in the way. She decided she wanted to serve an even bigger mission in life to help others. In her 40s her hard work and perseverance earned her a G.E.D, bachelor’s degree, and master’s degree. Her love of family brought her to work for the Department of Human Services to serve children and families. She found her specialty within DHS helping children through adoptions. Jerry helped bring countless children out of bad situations into loving adoptive homes. She eventually retired and lived out her life on the farm surrounded by an even larger and growing family who completely adored her. Preceding her in death was her twin sister Mary whom passed away at a very early age; her father Owen Johnson; mother Nancy Johnson; grandchild Meghan Copeland. Jerry is survived by her husband Clarence Bowlin, daughter Janetta Garrett and husband Larry; sons Billy Bowlin, Gary Bowlin and wife Pam, Keith Bowlin and wife Christi, Lonnie Bowlin and wife Aloma; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and friends and family.