This is a memorial tribute to our mother, Mrs. Harryette Thomas Rippon Bowden, who passed away Friday, June 28, 2024.
She was born on March 29, 1943, to Virginia Rippon and Harry Thomas Rippon Jr., at Northampton-Accomack Memorial Hospital in Nassawadox.
Harryette’s daddy was killed by drowning five months before she was born.
She grew up in Eastville and attended Northampton High School, where she graduated in June 1961.
When she was four years old, her mother remarried to Clifton Nelson, giving Harryette a stepfather. Her mother, her daddy, and her stepfather all preceded her in death.
After graduation, Harryette attended business college for two years, graduated with honors, and then went to work as a medical secretary for a cardiologist.
On Sept. 15, 1963, Harryette married her high school sweetheart, Charles Thomas Bowden. They were blessed with two sons — Mark Thomas Bowden on Feb. 24, 1967, and Michael Rippon Bowden on July 22, 1971.
Our mother loved life so very much. She loved being in her flower garden, where she felt close to God. She had another great passion for all animals. She loved having her loving cats with her. She wanted to take care of all of them.
Harryette and her two sons were always together and celebrated every occasion together, loving and living every moment.
At this time, her two sons mourn the passing of their mother. She has gone to sleep and will wake up to be with our Lord, Jesus Christ.
There will be a private service only.
