Jean Marcelin Williams Bowen, 85, of New Haven entered eternal rest on February 9, 2021 after a very short illness. She was born September 11, 1935, in New Orleans to the late James Marcelin of New Orleans, and Brunetta Jackson of Edgar, Louisiana.
Jean grew up in New Orleans and as a child; she attended the New Orleans public schools and graduated from Joseph S. Clark Preparatory Senior High School. She then attended Grambling State College in Grambling, Louisiana, majoring in Elementary Education. In 1964, after marrying the late Charles Williams, a former Air Force military member and graduate of Xavier University, she migrated to New Haven upon his acceptance of a teaching position at West Haven High School.
While in New Haven, Jean worked for the City of New Haven in the Early Childhood Education Program. She was the Associate Director of the New Haven Child Development Center where she guided parents in making decisions on their children’s early education. Jean helped to ensure that hundreds of children received and had access to a valuable, comprehensive preschool program, thereby helping the children to be prepared to enter kindergarten and beyond. She always performed her work with much joy, patience, love, and knowledge. During her career in early childhood education, she received multiple awards and recognitions for her contributions to the whole field of early childhood education beginning with Daycare, the Headstart program and the development of Early Childhood programs. She was the first President of the Daycare Center Union Local #1301 – 102. She was at the forefront of the development of Early Childhood Education. At the time of her retirement, she oversaw 156 Facilities throughout the New Haven area.
Jean met the love of her life, Arthur Bowen. Arthur, a City of New Haven Housing Authority technician is fondly known to family and friends as “AB”. Originally from Jamaica, Arthur was an avid sailor and water skier and would often teach lessons while in Jamaica. They married in 1981 and spent over 40 years of life devoted to each other. Jean’s life was centered around her family, her friends, and her church. As a devoted member of Dixwell Avenue Congregational United Church of Christ since the early 1960s, Jean served on many boards and committees in leadership positions. She was the first female Chair of the Deacons’ Board where she succeeded her friend and colleague, The Honorable John C. Daniels; she was a member of the Church Council, the church governing body; she was an integral member of the Women’s Fellowship Committee; she served as Head of the Ushers’ Board for many years. In addition, she coordinated transportation for the senior members, enabling them to attend church service. Jean also was an active member of the Dixwell Church History Committee. In previous years, she coordinated the fellowship hour following Sunday worship service, as well as other church-wide events. Of utmost satisfaction was her dedication to youth and children where she supported the Sunbeam Choir by using her creative talents to coordinate arts and crafts activities. Over the years, Jean represented Dixwell in the wider United Church of Christ within both the New Haven Association and the Connecticut Conference. She was honored as “Woman of the Year” by the Connecticut UCC Women. Being a church-going lady all her life and serving Dixwell in some capacity for most of her adult life, she was not an ordinary member, but an active leader of the church — providing direction to help Dixwell and its families in all its functions and needs. Jean never complained; she just made sure the job got done. She was probably one of the most informed and knowledgeable members of the Congregation. Jean was a quiet, humble, and respectful woman who always let you know what needed to be done. She was a devoted servant and loved the Lord with all her heart and with all she did. Her community service included many years as a Board member of the Agency on Aging of South-Central Connecticut. She was truly a woman who served with integrity, love, and commitment.
She is survived by her husband, Arthur Bowen, of over 40 years; her sons, Dr. Guy (Dr. Bonnie) and Gregory (Robin) Williams; nephew and niece, Michael Twitty and Tracey (Martyn, Esq.) Philpot; grandchildren, Dr. Guy Anthony Williams II, Ingrid (Justin) Williams, William (Aimee) Williams; grandniece, Faith Philpot; grandnephews, Cameron Twitty and Corey (Natalie) Twitty; great grandchildren, Jordan, Justin Jr., Indra, Arryianna, Rosie, and William III; a host of cousins and dear friends. She was predeceased by her parents, Leroy and Brunetta Perry and grandson, Perry Williams.
A Private Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, February 17, 2021 at Dixwell Avenue Congregational United Church of Christ, 217 Dixwell Ave, New Haven, CT 06511.
To access a live stream of the Memorial Service, please visit; www.nextlevellivestream.com then click on the red button that says, “Go to Today’s Livestream”. This will take you to the page where the funeral will stream.
In lieu of flowers, Jean would want memorial gifts to be donated to her beloved church: Dixwell Avenue Congregational United Church of Christ, 217 Dixwell Avenue, New Haven, CT 06511.