Robbie Glenn Bowden

Mother, grandmother, educator, & friend Robbie Glenn Watson Bowden passed away Sunday, July 1, 2018 at Heartland Nursing Home. Robbie was born October 26, 1934 in Beebe to Guy and Kate Welch Watson. She grew up in Beebe along with her sisters Shirley Watson Burns, Nell Watson Wiggins, Bobbie Watson David, and brother V.A. (Sonny) Watson. She was a Beebe Badger Cheerleader and Homecoming Queen, and with her dear friends and close knit group of classmates, made many special memories growing up. During and after high school graduation, she worked at the Palace Theater. While attending ASU-Beebe, she met Bob Bowden from Crow Mountain who was there on a basketball scholarship. After marriage they moved to California and then back to Arkansas to raise their two sons, Kirk and Bobby (Buck) in North Little Rock. While Bob was working on his Education Degree, Robbie was a homemaker. After her sons were older she returned to college to finish her remaining three years in two years time. Receiving a BSE in Elementary Education from State College of Arkansas, now University of Central Arkansas, she taught school for 27 years in the North Little Rock & Pulaski County School Districts (Lynch Drive, Levy, Pike View, Baseline, & Bayou Meto). Many lives were touched while teaching first, second, and third grades. Her career in teaching began in 1969 and ended in 1996 during which she was a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society. She was devoted to Bob and his teaching and coaching career as he won State Basketball Championships in 1966 (Ridgeroad Jr. High), 1969 and 1971 (North Little Rock High School), She was also supportive when he retired as Athletic Director of Pulaski County School District, She also enjoyed watching her sons participating in sports at North Little Rock Ole Main High. Before retirement they moved to Mayflower to enjoy the lake and fishing on Lake Conway. After Bob retired he became the Mayor of Mayflower and they both became active in the Mayflower United Methodist Church where Robbie loved singing in the choir and working with the UMW. They also built a new home on the lake where Robbie enjoyed her retirement. She loved more than anything to be with family, and the many friends she and Bob had made through the years. Her passion during this time was shopping,collecting antiques, and traveling. Bob and Robbie were married 53 years when Bob died in 2007. She remained in her home until 2012 with a caregiver, Loretta McClain, to whom we are forever grateful. Due to failing health Robbie moved to Heartland Nursing Home in Benton where she received excellent and loving care the past 6 years. Robbie was predeceased by her parents, husband, brother,and sisters. She is survived by her sons, Kirk (Susan) Bowden of Bryant and Buck Bowden of North Little Rock. Grandchildren that she adored were Lesli (Colt) Powell of Mayflower, Kylie Bowden of North Little Rock, and Walker Bowden of Bryant. Great Grandchildren Dylan, Riley, Shiloh, Khloe, Presli, & Kenzie. Also a sister in law Alba Ford of Crow Mountain and many nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Robbie's Life will be held at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, July 3rd with visitation beginning at 12:00pm at Griffin Leggett Rest Hills Funeral Home, North Little Rock, Ark. Burial will follow after the service in the Rest Hills Cemetery. www.griffingleggettresthills.com.