Ethel Mae Bowen Bjork (86) was called home by the Lord our God on September 6, 2023.
A lifetime resident of Jacksonville, Florida and early childhood years in Atlantic Beach, she was born to Oliver Mann Bowen and Henrietta Viola Osteen Bowen. A graduate of Andrew Jackson High School, she enjoyed the many activities in the area of East 21st Street such as the Al and Baily Drive-Ins, the local roller-skating rink and fun at football games where she was a majorette. Ethel was the last surviving member of the immediate Bowen family and has been received in heaven by her parents and seven siblings: Oliver, Richard, Ruth, Mari Lou, Sonny, Marty and Bobby.
She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Robert A. Bjork, son Russell Bjork (Teresa), daughters Erika Bjork and Inga Bjork-Koller (Scott); six grandchildren Carolyn Boyer (Gary), Emily Bjork, Sheila Nowlin (Daniel), Ryan Bjork, Marshall Koller, and Jaden Koller; and three great grandchildren, Reese Boyer, Gavin Boyer and William Nowlin.
Ethel was a born-again Christian with many years of service to her Church and a master in genealogy research. She always had a joy for games, was a wizard with crossword and jigsaw puzzles and in recent years, enjoyed time at THE PLAYERS senior center with her faithful husband playing dominos, bingo and pursuing her creative talents with acrylic painting. Her love for the rolling waves of the ocean, the flutter of butterflies and the sound of singing birds, lives on for all.
The family will receive visitors beginning 10 AM September 14, 2023 in the Chapel of the Evergreen Cemetery, 4535 Main Street Jacksonville, Florida, 32206, followed by a ceremonial procession for a graveside eulogy beginning 11 AM.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. John’s County Council on Aging THE PLAYERS Community Senior Center, 180 Marine Street, St. Augustine, Florida, 32084 or donations can be made on-line at coasjc.org.
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