Photo courtesy: Kennedy Patton
Georgia “Joy” Bowen, the long-time former District 5 member of the local school board, was celebrated Wednesday when the Leon County Commission announced it was naming a dedicated roadway along Tharpe Street from North Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard to Ocala Road in her honor.
The Rev. R.B. Holmes, pastor of Bethel Baptist Missionary Church, started the ceremony with a prayer. Leon County Commissioner Nick Maddox followed with praises to Bowen and the dedication she has to Leon County Schools. Maddox recognized her colleagues who sat on the board with her and other elected officials who were present, including Mayor John Dailey, who is also a former county commissioner.
County Commissioner Rick Minor highlighted Bowen’s extensive resume. Not only has she taught at a middle and high school in Florida, Bowen has had the opportunity to work at the collegiate level at Morris College in Sumter, S.C.
According to leonschools.net, Bowen has also served as the coordinator of student activities and organizations, director of the Student Assistance Center and the associate dean of students in the Division of Student Affairs.
“She has an incredible reach when it comes to inspiring those in our community and will be remembered for her dedication,” Minor said.
Other members of the Tallahassee community praised Bowen, who received flowers from students at Raa Middle School who had gotten a chance to learn about her in class. The students’ teacher is a former student of Bowen’s as well.
Mayor Dailey has two children who Raa. He spoke on the importance of having dedicated school administrators.
“I’m a parent of students that attend Raa, so I appreciate the dedication to making our education system the best,” Dailey said.
Bowen closed the ceremony reminding people in the room that when God blesses with you gifts. It is important to use those gifts to bless the people around you.
The Leon County Commission unveiled the new street sign that reads Georgia “Joy” Bowen Roadway.
Family and friends were able to gather around the sign to show their love and admiration for Bowen’s legacy. Bowen was elected to the Leon County School Board in 1988 and served for 24 years.