Sylvia Bowen

 Water Valley, MS - The family of Sylvia Gay Bowen announces with deep sorrow her passing on July 15, 2024. Gay was born on October 25, 1951, in Memphis, TN, to Daniel and Frances Garavelli. Gay was known for her gift of gab, loving nature, and strong opinions. She had a passion for reading and thoroughly enjoyed music and movies. Gay adored teddy bears and butterflies, and she brought warmth and joy to all those around her. After dedicating her early life to homemaking and caring for her family, Gay embarked on a fulfilling career at Holley Carburetor before finishing her work life at Ajinomoto Foods. 

Gay is survived by her beloved daughter Tanya (Mike) Thweatt of Oxford, MS; a granddaughter, Robyn (Gerald) McCarty of Oxford, MS; a grandson, Skyler Sturgis of East Wenahatchee, WA; great-grandsons, Mason and Cooper McCarty; brothers, Dr. John S. Garavelli of Newark, DE, and James Ashton, Sr. of Raleigh-Durham, NC; a stepsister, Glenda (Bill) Palmer of Maben, MS; and her mother, Frances Chambers Garavelli Bishop of Mathiston, MS. 

Gay was preceded in death by her father, Daniel Garavelli; a stepmother, Helen Garavelli; a stepfather, Wyman Bishop; and a son, Jay Bowen. She was a thoughtful and caring mother, sister, and friend, who will be deeply missed by all who knew her. 

A public visitation will be held at 10:00 am on Tuesday, July 23, 2024 at Seven Oaks Funeral, Water Valley, MS. A funeral service celebrating her life will immediately follow at 11:00 am. Interment will take place at 2:00 pm at Memorial Park Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN 38119. Seven Oaks Funeral Home is honored to serve the Bowen family during this difficult time of loss. We encourage you to keep them in your thoughts and prayers in the coming days.