Juanita Mills Bowden

ROCKY MOUNT – Juanita Mills Bowden, age 97, passed away on Sunday, January 18, 2026. Born in Nash County, NC on January 8, 1929, she was the daughter of the late Richard Terry Mills and Ruby Ayers Mills. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Ernest Eugene Bowden, three sisters, five brothers, sons- in- law, Buck Briley and Neil Stephen Carignan, Sr.

Juanita was a woman whose life was marked by faith, service, and a genuine love for people. A longtime member of Calvary Baptist Church, she faithfully served her church family for many years until her health no longer allowed her to do so. One of her greatest joys was teaching Sunday School, where she shared her love for God and His Word with warmth, patience, and sincerity.

Juanita was truly a people person. She never met a stranger and had a natural gift for making others feel welcome, valued, and cared for. Her kindness and friendly spirit left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

Alongside her beloved husband, Juanita helped start Bowden Electric in Rocky Mount. Together, they built not only a successful business but also a reputation for honesty, hard work, and service to the community. For many years, they were proud to serve the people of Rocky Mount, forming relationships that went far beyond business.

Her faith was the foundation of her life. Juanita loved reading her Bible and spent countless hours studying Scripture and reading Christian books, always seeking to grow deeper in her walk with the Lord. Her faith was not only something she spoke about, but something she lived out daily through her actions and love for others.

Juanita will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her servant’s heart, and her deep love for people. Her life was a testimony of quiet strength, compassion, and devotion, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Juanita is survived by her daughters, Charlotte Briley of Rocky Mount, NC, Sharon Carignan of Manteo, NC; sons, David Bowden and wife Peggy of Rocky Mount, NC, and Richard Bowden and wife Brenda of Rocky Mount, NC; grandchildren, Kevin Bowden of Forney, TX, Craig Bowden, David R. Bowden, Braxton Bowden (Kennedy), Daniel Bowden (Jennifer), Susan Briley and Amanda Whitaker all of Rocky Mount, NC, Amanda Carignan Midgett (Daniel) and Neil Stephen Carignan, Jr. (Kate) of Nags Head, NC; great-grandchildren, Fletcher Bowden, Bronson Bowden, Scott Bowden, and Ryan Bowden; new great-grandson, Everett Neil Carignan; five more great-grandsons, and three great-great-grandchildren.

A Graveside Service will be held on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Rocky Mount Memorial Park with Pastor Brandon Dees officiating.  Burial will follow the service at Rocky Mount Memorial Park. The public may pay their respects to Ms. Bowden at Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 661 English Road Rocky Mount, NC from 9 AM – 4 PM on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. The family will not be present during this time.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to In Touch Ministries of Dr. Charles Stanley by visiting www.intouch.org.

The family would like to thank the staff of Gentiva Hospice for caring for Ms. Bowden. Their support and care made Mother’s last days as comfortable as possible.

Arrangements entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 661 English Road, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.  You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.johnsonfuneralsandcremations.com.