Jeanne Dorthy (Hayes) Bowen

Jeanne Hayes Bowen, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on March 9, 2025. Born on May 19, 1928, in Miami, Florida, to Dorothy T. Hayes and Walter H. Hayes, Jeanne lived a life filled with love, dedication, and service to others.

A proud graduate of Miami Edison High School, Class of 1946, Jeanne went on to attend the University of Miami, where she excelled both academically and socially. She was the captain of the cheerleading squad, a member of Alpha Delta Pi Sorority, and the sweetheart of Sigma Chi. She graduated with high honors in 1950, earning a Bachelor of Science degree. Her passion for helping others led her to continue her education at the Miami Jackson School of Nursing, where she became a Registered Nurse.

Early in her career, Jeanne returned to her alma mater to teach nursing before embarking on a lifelong commitment to healthcare. Along the way, she married Dr. Alfred C. Bowen and became a devoted mother to her two sons, Hayes (1961) and Christian (1962). Following her divorce in 1971, Jeanne dedicated herself to providing the best life possible for her boys, working as a school nurse and administrative assistant to Marian Krutulis at Gulliver Academy in Coral Gables, a camp nurse at Camp Alpine in North Carolina, and as an RN Supervisor at the University of Miami Hospital and Clinics.

After retiring in 1992, Jeanne fulfilled a dream by relocating to a log cabin in Scaly Mountain, North Carolina. There, she immersed herself in the community, volunteering at the Highlands-Cashiers Hospital gift shop, working part-time at Suzette’s Boutique, and serving as president of the Scaly Mountain Women’s Club and vice president of the Highlands Women’s Club. She played a leadership role in organizing the original Highlands Arts and Crafts Show which continues to this day. Jeanne found joy in playing bridge with her Scaly Mountain friends, participating in local parades, and always lending a helping hand wherever needed.

In her later years, Jeanne split her time between Miami and the mountains she adored. Eventually, she settled in Mount Dora, Florida, before returning to North Carolina in 2021, where her son Hayes and his spouse Scott built a beautiful home with an attached cottage for her. Surrounded by family and the beauty of the mountains, she found great happiness in her final years.

Jeanne is survived by her two sons, Hayes Bowen (Scott Sasich) and Christian Bowen (Christine Bowen); and three beloved grandchildren, Tyler, Sydney, and Conner. She will be remembered for her unwavering and boundless love for her family, her warmth, and her generous spirit.

Jeanne’s legacy is one of love, generosity, kindness and strength. She touched the lives of many, and her memory will forever be cherished by those who knew and loved her.

A celebration of Jeanne’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her honor to Sky Valley - Scaly Mountain Fire Department (http://www.svsmvfr.org).

Online condolences can be left at www.bryantgrantfuneralhome.com

Bryant-Grant Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the Bowen family.